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 Maryland, civil procedure is governed by the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, which are promulgated by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, the state's highest court. These rules outline the procedures for civil litigation in the state's courts, including the filing of lawsuits, the service of process, the conduct of trials, and the process for appeals. The rules are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process and are regularly updated to reflect changes in the law and legal practice. Additionally, federal civil cases in Maryland are subject to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which govern proceedings in the United States district courts. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to understand and adhere to these rules to avoid procedural errors that could impact the outcome of their cases.