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 Utah, civil procedure is governed by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, which are established by the Utah Supreme Court. These rules outline the process for civil litigation in state courts, including the filing of lawsuits, service of process, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. The Utah Rules of Civil Procedure are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process and are regularly updated to reflect changes in the law and legal practice. Additionally, federal civil cases in Utah are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when they are heard in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. These federal rules are consistent nationwide and provide the framework for conducting civil litigation in federal courts, including pretrial procedures, trial, and post-trial motions.