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 South Dakota, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the South Dakota Supreme Court. The South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) contain statutes that address various aspects of civil litigation, such as the statute of limitations for different types of civil actions and the jurisdiction of courts. Additionally, the South Dakota Supreme Court has established the South Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, which provide detailed guidance on the process of civil litigation, including the filing of lawsuits, service of process, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. These rules are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process and are regularly updated to reflect changes in the law or legal practice. Federal civil litigation in South Dakota is governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which apply to civil cases in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota.