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 Vermont, court procedures for civil litigation are governed by the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, which outline the processes and procedures that parties must adhere to during the pretrial, trial, and posttrial phases. These rules cover various aspects of a civil case, including the filing of complaints, service of process, motions, discovery, trial conduct, and the entry of judgments. Additionally, the Vermont Rules of Court provide guidance on court administration and the conduct of court business, while local rules may be established by individual courts to address specific procedural requirements within their jurisdiction. Parties involved in civil litigation must follow these rules closely to ensure their case proceeds smoothly and to avoid any procedural missteps that could negatively impact their case.