Civil procedure includes the procedures and rules that govern civil (non-criminal) litigation in state and federal courts. Many states have rules of civil procedure written by the state supreme court, for example, and other states include their rules of procedure in state statutes enacted by the state legislature.
In Alabama, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules established by the Alabama Supreme Court. The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure (ARCP) provide the framework for conducting civil litigation in state courts. These rules cover various aspects of legal proceedings, including the filing of lawsuits, service of process, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. The ARCP is designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process and is regularly updated to reflect changes in the law and legal practice. Additionally, federal courts in Alabama follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when handling civil cases at the federal level. These federal rules are applicable nationwide and are established by the United States Supreme Court, subject to the approval of Congress.