Court procedures generally refers to the strict processes and procedures the parties to a civil lawsuit must follow during the pretrial, trial, and posttrial phases of civil litigation. These procedures are usually defined and set forth in detail in the applicable rules of civil procedure, rules of court, and local rules.
In Arizona, court procedures for civil litigation are governed by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, which outline the processes that parties must follow from the pretrial phase through to the posttrial phase. These rules cover various aspects of a civil case, including filing complaints, serving documents, discovery, motions, trial preparation, and the conduct of the trial itself. Additionally, the Arizona Revised Statutes may contain specific laws that affect civil litigation. Local rules of court may also apply, varying by county, which complement the statewide rules and address specific procedural requirements for the local jurisdiction. Parties involved in civil litigation must adhere to these rules to ensure their case proceeds efficiently and fairly through the court system. Failure to comply with these rules can result in delays, sanctions, or even dismissal of a case.