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 Pennsylvania, court procedures for civil litigation are governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. These rules outline the processes that parties must follow from the initiation of a lawsuit through its resolution, whether by trial or settlement. The procedures cover various aspects of the legal process, including filing complaints, serving documents, discovery, pretrial motions, trial conduct, and the appeals process. Additionally, each county may have its own local rules that complement the state rules and must be adhered to by the parties. These rules are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process and to provide a framework for resolving disputes in a systematic manner. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to understand and follow these procedures to avoid delays or potential dismissal of their case.