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 Vermont, civil procedure is governed by the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, which are promulgated by the Vermont Supreme Court. These rules outline the procedures and guidelines for conducting civil litigation in the state courts of Vermont. They cover various aspects of the legal process, including the filing of lawsuits, service of process, motions, discovery, trial procedures, and appeals. The purpose of these rules is to ensure the fair and efficient resolution of civil disputes. Additionally, federal civil cases in Vermont are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when they are in the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. These federal rules are designed to provide consistency and fairness in the civil litigation process across all federal courts.