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 North Carolina, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules established by the North Carolina Supreme Court. The North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) contain laws that outline various aspects of civil procedure, such as statutes of limitations, jurisdiction, and the process for civil actions. Additionally, the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, which are found in the North Carolina General Statutes under Chapter 1A, provide detailed guidance on the procedures to be followed in civil litigation. These rules cover matters such as the commencement of an action, service of process, pleadings, motions, discovery, trials, and judgments. The rules are designed to ensure that civil cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and in a manner that promotes justice. Federal courts in North Carolina, on the other hand, follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which apply to civil cases in all U.S. federal district courts.