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 Rhode Island, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The state's civil procedure is primarily outlined in the Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure, which provide the framework for conducting civil litigation in the state's courts. These rules cover various aspects of the legal process, including filing complaints, serving documents, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. The rules are designed to ensure that civil cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved. Additionally, certain aspects of civil procedure may also be governed by specific state statutes that can supplement or, in some cases, override the general rules of civil procedure. It's important to note that federal courts in Rhode Island follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when handling civil cases in federal jurisdiction.