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 Oregon, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the Oregon Supreme Court. The Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) are the primary source of procedural rules for civil cases in state courts. These rules cover various aspects of civil litigation, including the filing of lawsuits, service of process, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and post-trial motions. The ORCP are designed to provide a framework for the fair, just, and expeditious resolution of civil disputes. Additionally, federal civil cases in Oregon are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which apply to civil litigation in U.S. District Courts. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to understand and adhere to the appropriate set of procedural rules, whether in state or federal court, to ensure their legal rights are protected throughout the legal process.