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Civil procedure

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 Pennsylvania, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules created by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure (Pa.R.C.P.) dictate the procedures for civil litigation in the state's courts. These rules cover various aspects of the legal process, including filing a complaint, serving documents, discovery, pre-trial motions, trial procedures, and post-trial motions. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes also contain laws that affect civil litigation, such as statutes of limitations for filing certain types of lawsuits. For federal cases, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure apply to civil litigation in the U.S. District Courts located in Pennsylvania. These federal rules are designed to provide consistency in civil litigation across all federal courts in the United States.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

abate lawsuit agreed case altering or amending judgment amending pleadings appeals

closing argument compel arbitration consolidation of lawsuits continuance

declaratory judgment default judgment defendant's answer to lawsuit directed verdict discovery dismissal for want of prosecution disqualification of attorney disqualification of judge

e - discovery e - filing evidence ex parte hearing exclude expert witness

findings of fact, conclusions of law forum non conveniens

hearsay

injunctions interpleader intervening in a lawsuit (intervention)

judgment judgment as a matter of law judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)judgment nunc pro tunc judicial notice jury charge jury selection jury verdict

motion in limine motion to dismiss

new trial nonsuit

offer of judgment or settlement offer of proof and bill of exception opening statement

personal jurisdiction plaintiff's petition or complaint pretrial conference

remand from federal court to state court remittitur removal from state court to federal court res judicata and collateral estoppel right to jury trial

sanctions, contempt separate trials / bifurcated trial serving defendant with lawsuit severance of claims special appearance special exceptions special master / master in chancery subject matter jurisdiction summary judgment summons and complaint

temporary restraining order (TRO)

venue

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Civil procedure

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Articles

Civil procedure