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 Arizona, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the Arizona Supreme Court. The Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure outline the procedures and rules that must be followed in civil litigation in the state's courts. These rules cover various aspects of the legal process, including filing complaints, serving documents, conducting discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that civil cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and consistently across the state's judicial system. Additionally, federal cases in Arizona are subject to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which govern civil litigation in the United States district courts. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to understand and adhere to these rules to avoid delays and potential penalties.