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 Arkansas, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the Arkansas Supreme Court. The Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure outline the procedures and rules that must be followed in civil litigation within the state courts. These rules cover various aspects of the legal process, including filing complaints, serving documents, conducting discovery, trial procedures, and the appeals process. Additionally, federal cases in Arkansas are subject to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when they are in the jurisdiction of the United States District Courts. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to adhere to these rules to ensure that their legal proceedings are valid and recognized by the court.