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FRCP

TITLE I. SCOPE OF RULES; FORM OF ACTION

FRCP Rule 1

Scope and Purpose: These rules govern the procedure in all civil actions and proceedings in the United States district courts, except as stated in Rule 81. They should be construed, administered, and employed by the court and the parties to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.

FRCP Rule 2

One Form of Action: There is one form of action—the civil action.

TITLE II. COMMENCING AN ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS

FRCP Rule 3

Commencing an Action: A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.

FRCP Rule 4

Summons: Detailed guidelines on the issuance, content, amendment, and service of summons.

FRCP Rule 5

Serving and Filing Pleadings and Other Papers: Guidelines on serving and filing pleadings and other papers.

FRCP Rule 6

Computing and Extending Time; Time for Motion Papers: Instructions on computing and extending time periods and deadlines.

TITLE III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS

FRCP Rule 7

Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers: Guidelines on the pleadings allowed and the form of motions and other papers.

FRCP Rule 8

General Rules of Pleading: Requirements for a pleading to state a claim for relief.

FRCP Rule 9

Pleading Special Matters: Special pleading requirements for certain matters.

FRCP Rule 10

Form of Pleadings: Requirements for the form of pleadings.

FRCP Rule 11

Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions: Requirements for signing pleadings, motions, and other papers, and representations to the court.

FRCP Rule 12

Defenses and Objections: When and how presented; Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings; Consolidating Motions; Waiving Defenses; Pretrial Hearing.

FRCP Rule 13

Counterclaim and Crossclaim: Guidelines on asserting counterclaims and crossclaims.

FRCP Rule 14

Third-Party Practice: Guidelines on third-party practice.

FRCP Rule 15

Amended and Supplemental Pleadings: Guidelines on amending and supplementing pleadings.

FRCP Rule 16

Pretrial Conferences; Scheduling; Management: Guidelines on pretrial conferences, scheduling, and management.

TITLE IV. PARTIES

FRCP Rule 17

Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity; Public Officers: Guidelines on the capacity of parties to sue or be sued.

FRCP Rule 18

Joinder of Claims: Guidelines on the joinder of claims.

FRCP Rule 19

Required Joinder of Parties: Guidelines on required joinder of parties.

FRCP Rule 20

Permissive Joinder of Parties: Guidelines on permissive joinder of parties.

FRCP Rule 21

Misjoinder and Nonjoinder of Parties: Guidelines on misjoinder and nonjoinder of parties.

FRCP Rule 22

Interpleader: Guidelines on interpleader.

FRCP Rule 23

Class Actions: Guidelines on class actions.

FRCP Rule 23.1

Derivative Actions: Guidelines on derivative actions.

FRCP Rule 23.2

Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations: Guidelines on actions relating to unincorporated associations.

FRCP Rule 24

Intervention: Guidelines on intervention.

FRCP Rule 25

Substitution of Parties: Guidelines on substitution of parties.

TITLE V. DISCLOSURES AND DISCOVERY

FRCP Rule 26

Duty to Disclose; General Provisions Governing Discovery: Guidelines on duty to disclose and discovery.

FRCP Rule 27

Depositions to Perpetuate Testimony: Guidelines on depositions to perpetuate testimony.

FRCP Rule 28

Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken: Guidelines on persons before whom depositions may be taken.

FRCP Rule 29

Stipulations About Discovery Procedure: Guidelines on stipulations about discovery procedure.

FRCP Rule 30

Depositions by Oral Examination: Guidelines on depositions by oral examination.

FRCP Rule 31

Depositions by Written Questions: Guidelines on depositions by written questions.

FRCP Rule 32

Using Depositions in Court Proceedings: Guidelines on using depositions in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 33

Interrogatories to Parties: Guidelines on serving interrogatories to parties.

FRCP Rule 34

Producing Documents, Electronically Stored Information, and Tangible Things, or Entering onto Land, for Inspection and Other Purposes: Guidelines on producing documents and other evidence.

FRCP Rule 35

Physical and Mental Examinations: Guidelines on conducting physical and mental examinations.

FRCP Rule 36

Requests for Admission: Guidelines on making requests for admission.

FRCP Rule 37

Failure to Make Disclosures or to Cooperate in Discovery; Sanctions: Guidelines on the consequences of failing to make disclosures or cooperate in discovery.

TITLE VI. TRIALS

FRCP Rule 38

Right to a Jury Trial; Demand: Guidelines on the right to a jury trial and how to demand it.

FRCP Rule 39

Trial by Jury or by the Court: Guidelines on conducting trials by jury or by the court.

FRCP Rule 40

Scheduling Cases for Trial: Guidelines on scheduling cases for trial.

FRCP Rule 41

Dismissal of Actions: Guidelines on dismissing actions.

FRCP Rule 42

Consolidation; Separate Trials: Guidelines on consolidating cases or holding separate trials.

FRCP Rule 43

Taking Testimony: Guidelines on taking testimony during trials.

FRCP Rule 44

Proving an Official Record: Guidelines on proving official records in court.

FRCP Rule 45

Subpoena: Guidelines on issuing and managing subpoenas.

FRCP Rule 46

Objecting to a Ruling or Order: Guidelines on objecting to court rulings or orders.

FRCP Rule 47

Selecting Jurors: Guidelines on selecting jurors for trials.

FRCP Rule 48

Number of Jurors; Verdict; Polling: Guidelines on the number of jurors, delivering verdicts, and polling the jury.

FRCP Rule 49

Special Verdict; General Verdict and Questions: Guidelines on special and general verdicts.

FRCP Rule 50

Judgment as a Matter of Law in a Jury Trial; Related Motion for a New Trial; Conditional Ruling: Guidelines on judgment as a matter of law in jury trials and related motions.

FRCP Rule 51

Instructions to the Jury; Objections; Preserving a Claim of Error: Guidelines on instructing the jury, making objections, and preserving claims of error.

FRCP Rule 52

Findings and Conclusions by the Court; Judgment on Partial Findings: Guidelines on court findings, conclusions, and judgments on partial findings.

FRCP Rule 53

Masters: Guidelines on the use of masters in court proceedings.

TITLE VII. JUDGMENT

FRCP Rule 54

Judgment; Costs: Guidelines on judgments and costs in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 55

Default; Default Judgment: Guidelines on defaults and default judgments.

FRCP Rule 56

Summary Judgment: Guidelines on summary judgments in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 57

Declaratory Judgment: Guidelines on declaratory judgments in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 58

Entering Judgment: Guidelines on entering judgments in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 59

New Trial; Altering or Amending a Judgment: Guidelines on new trials and altering or amending judgments.

FRCP Rule 60

Relief from a Judgment or Order: Guidelines on obtaining relief from judgments or orders.

FRCP Rule 61

Harmless Error: Guidelines on addressing harmless errors in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 62

Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment: Guidelines on staying proceedings to enforce judgments.

FRCP Rule 63

Judge's Inability to Proceed: Guidelines on handling cases when a judge is unable to proceed.

TITLE VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES

FRCP Rule 64

Seizing a Person or Property: Guidelines on seizing persons or property in court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 65

Injunctions and Restraining Orders: Guidelines on issuing injunctions and restraining orders.

FRCP Rule 65.1

Proceedings Against a Surety: Guidelines on proceedings against sureties in court cases.

FRCP Rule 66

Receivers: Guidelines on the appointment and management of receivers in court cases.

FRCP Rule 67

Deposit into Court: Guidelines on depositing funds into court during legal proceedings.

FRCP Rule 68

Offer of Judgment: Guidelines on making an offer of judgment during court proceedings.

FRCP Rule 69

Execution: Guidelines on the execution of judgments.

FRCP Rule 70

Enforcing a Judgment for a Specific Act: Guidelines on enforcing judgments that require a specific act to be performed.

FRCP Rule 71

Enforcing Relief For or Against a Nonparty: Guidelines on enforcing relief for or against individuals who are not parties to the action.

TITLE IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

FRCP Rule 71.1

Condemning Real or Personal Property: Guidelines on condemning real or personal property.

FRCP Rule 72

Magistrate Judges: Pretrial Order: Guidelines on pretrial orders by magistrate judges.

FRCP Rule 73

Magistrate Judges: Trial by Consent; Appeal: Guidelines on trials by consent before magistrate judges and appeals.

FRCP Rule 74

[Abrogated] Placeholder for rules that have been abrogated.

FRCP Rule 75

[Abrogated] Placeholder for rules that have been abrogated.

FRCP Rule 76

[Abrogated] Placeholder for rules that have been abrogated.

TITLE X. DISTRICT COURTS AND CLERKS: CONDUCTING BUSINESS; ISSUING ORDERS

FRCP Rule 77

Conducting Business; Clerk's Authority; Notice of an Order or Judgment: Guidelines on the conduct of court business, the authority of clerks, and notice of orders or judgments.

FRCP Rule 78

Hearing Motions; Submission on Briefs: Guidelines on hearing motions and submitting briefs.

FRCP Rule 79

Records Kept by the Clerk: Guidelines on records kept by the clerk of the court.

FRCP Rule 80

Stenographic Transcript as Evidence: Guidelines on the use of stenographic transcripts as evidence in court proceedings.

TITLE XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

FRCP Rule 81

Applicability of the Rules in General; Removed Actions: Guidelines on the applicability of the rules in general and in cases of removed actions.

FRCP Rule 82

Jurisdiction and Venue Unaffected: Guidelines on jurisdiction and venue unaffected by these rules.

FRCP Rule 83

Rules by District Courts; Judge's Directives: Guidelines on rules established by district courts and directives by judges.

FRCP Rule 84

[Abrogated] Placeholder for rules that have been abrogated.

FRCP Rule 85

Title: Guidelines on the title of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

FRCP Rule 86

Effective Dates: Guidelines on the effective dates of the rules and amendments.

XIII. SUPPLEMENTAL RULES FOR ADMIRALTY OR MARITIME CLAIMS AND ASSET FORFEITURE ACTIONS

Rule A: Scope of Rules

Guidelines on the application of these supplemental rules.

Rule B: In Personam Actions - Attachment and Garnishment

Guidelines on the attachment and garnishment in personam actions.

Rule C: In Rem Actions - Special Provisions

Guidelines on the procedures and requirements for in rem actions.

Rule D: Possessory, Petitory, and Partition Actions

Guidelines on possessory, petitory, and partition actions under admiralty practice.

Rule E: Actions in Rem and Quasi in Rem - General Provisions

General provisions for actions in rem and quasi in rem.

Rule F: Limitation of Liability

Guidelines on the limitation of liability for vessel owners.

Rule G: Forfeiture Actions in Rem

Guidelines on the procedures and requirements for forfeiture actions in rem.

XIV SUPPLEMENTAL RULES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)

Rule 1: Scope of Rules

Guidelines on the application of these supplemental rules to Social Security actions.

Rule 2: Complaint

Guidelines on the content and requirements for complaints in Social Security actions.

Rule 3: Service

Guidelines on the service of the complaint and summons in Social Security actions.

Rule 4: Answer; Motions

Guidelines on the filing of answers and motions in Social Security actions.

Rule 5: Briefing

Guidelines on the briefing schedule and requirements for Social Security actions.

Rule 6: Review on the Record of an Agency Proceeding

Guidelines on the review process based on the administrative record in Social Security actions.

Rule 7: Filing of the Administrative Record

Guidelines on the filing of the administrative record in Social Security actions.

Rule 8: Remand

Guidelines on the remand of Social Security actions to the Commissioner of Social Security.

TITLE I. APPLICABILITY

Rule 1: Scope; Definitions

Guidelines on the scope and definitions of the rules.

Rule 2: Purpose and Construction

Guidelines on the purpose and construction of the rules to ensure simplicity, fairness, and the elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay.

TITLE II. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS

Rule 3: The Complaint

Guidelines on the complaint process in criminal cases.

Rule 4: Arrest Warrant or Summons on a Complaint

Guidelines on the issuance of an arrest warrant or summons based on a complaint.

Rule 5: Initial Appearance

Guidelines on the initial appearance of the defendant before the court.

Rule 5.1: Preliminary Hearing

Guidelines on the procedures for a preliminary hearing in criminal cases.

TITLE III. THE GRAND JURY, THE INDICTMENT, AND THE INFORMATION

Rule 6: The Grand Jury

Guidelines on the grand jury process and its proceedings.

Rule 7: The Indictment and the Information

Guidelines on the requirements for the indictment and information in criminal cases.

Rule 8: Joinder of Offenses or Defendants

Guidelines on the joinder of offenses or defendants in criminal cases.

Rule 9: Arrest Warrant or Summons on an Indictment or Information

Guidelines on the issuance of an arrest warrant or summons based on an indictment or information.

TITLE IV. ARRAIGNMENT AND PREPARATION FOR TRIAL

Rule 10: Arraignment

Guidelines on the arraignment process for defendants.

Rule 11: Pleas

Guidelines on the various types of pleas a defendant may enter in a criminal case.

Rule 12: Pleadings and Pretrial Motions

Guidelines on the pleadings and pretrial motions process in criminal cases.

Rule 12.1: Notice of an Alibi Defense

Guidelines on the notice required for an alibi defense.

Rule 12.2: Notice of an Insanity Defense; Mental Examination

Guidelines on the notice required for an insanity defense and the procedures for a mental examination.

Rule 12.3: Notice of a Public-Authority Defense

Guidelines on the notice required for a public-authority defense.

Rule 13: Joint Trial of Separate Cases

Guidelines on the joint trial of separate cases in criminal proceedings.

Rule 14: Relief from Prejudicial Joinder

Guidelines on relief from prejudicial joinder in criminal cases.

Rule 15: Depositions

Guidelines on the use of depositions in criminal cases.

Rule 16: Discovery and Inspection

Guidelines on discovery and inspection procedures in criminal cases.

Rule 17: Subpoena

Guidelines on the issuance and use of subpoenas in criminal cases.

Rule 17.1: Pretrial Conference

Guidelines on pretrial conferences in criminal cases.

TITLE V. VENUE

Rule 18: Place of Prosecution and Trial

Guidelines on the place of prosecution and trial in criminal cases.

Rule 19: Relief from Prosecution

Guidelines on obtaining relief from prosecution in certain circumstances.

Rule 20: Transfer for Plea and Sentence

Guidelines on the transfer of cases for plea and sentencing purposes.

Rule 21: Transfer for Trial

Guidelines on the transfer of cases for trial purposes.

Rule 22: Timing of Motions

Guidelines on the timing of motions in criminal cases.

TITLE VI. TRIAL

Rule 23: Jury or Nonjury Trial

Guidelines on the choice between a jury trial and a nonjury trial.

Rule 24: Trial Jurors

Guidelines on the selection and management of trial jurors.

Rule 25: Judge’s Disability

Guidelines on procedures when a judge becomes disabled during a trial.

Rule 26: Taking Testimony

Guidelines on the procedures for taking testimony in criminal cases.

Rule 26.1: Foreign Law Determination

Guidelines on the determination of foreign law in criminal cases.

Rule 27: Proving an Official Record

Guidelines on the procedures for proving an official record in criminal cases.

Rule 28: Interpreters

Guidelines on the use of interpreters in criminal cases.

Rule 29: Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal

Guidelines on the procedures for a motion for a judgment of acquittal in criminal cases.

Rule 29.1: Closing Argument

Guidelines on the procedures for closing arguments in criminal trials.

Rule 30: Jury Instructions

Guidelines on the procedures for giving jury instructions in criminal cases.

Rule 31: Jury Verdict

Guidelines on the procedures for receiving and recording the jury's verdict in criminal cases.

TITLE VII. POST-CONVICTION PROCEDURES

Rule 32: Sentencing and Judgment

Guidelines on the procedures for sentencing and judgment in criminal cases.

Rule 32.1: Revoking or Modifying Probation or Supervised Release

Guidelines on the procedures for revoking or modifying probation or supervised release.

Rule 32.2: Criminal Forfeiture

Guidelines on the procedures for criminal forfeiture in criminal cases.

Rule 33: New Trial

Guidelines on the procedures for granting a new trial in criminal cases.

Rule 34: Arresting Judgment

Guidelines on the procedures for arresting judgment in criminal cases.

Rule 35: Correcting or Reducing a Sentence

Guidelines on the procedures for correcting or reducing a sentence in criminal cases.

Rule 36: Clerical Error

Guidelines on the procedures for correcting clerical errors in criminal cases.

Rule 37: Indicative Ruling on a Motion for Relief That is Barred by a Pending Appeal

Guidelines on the procedures for making indicative rulings on motions for relief barred by pending appeals.

Rule 38: Staying a Sentence or a Disability

Guidelines on the procedures for staying a sentence or a disability in criminal cases.

Rule 39: Release Pending Review

Guidelines on the procedures for releasing a defendant pending review in criminal cases.

TITLE VIII. SUPPLEMENTARY AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

Rule 40: Arrest for Failing to Appear in Another District or for Violating Conditions of Release Set in Another District

Guidelines on the procedures for arresting a defendant who fails to appear or violates conditions of release set in another district.

Rule 41: Search and Seizure

Guidelines on the procedures for search and seizure in criminal cases.

Rule 42: Criminal Contempt

Guidelines on the procedures for handling criminal contempt cases.

TITLE IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Rule 43: Defendant's Presence

Guidelines on when the defendant must be present during criminal proceedings.

Rule 44: Right to and Appointment of Counsel

Guidelines on the defendant's right to and appointment of counsel in criminal cases.

Rule 45: Computing and Extending Time

Guidelines on computing and extending time periods in criminal cases.

Rule 46: Release from Custody; Supervising Detention

Guidelines on release from custody and supervising detention in criminal cases.

Rule 47: Motions and Supporting Affidavits

Guidelines on motions and supporting affidavits in criminal cases.

Rule 48: Dismissal

Guidelines on the procedures for dismissal of charges in criminal cases.

Rule 49: Serving and Filing Papers

Guidelines on serving and filing papers in criminal cases.

Rule 49.1: Privacy Protection For Filings Made with the Court

Guidelines on protecting privacy for filings made with the court in criminal cases.

Rule 50: Prompt Disposition

Guidelines on the prompt disposition of criminal cases.

Rule 51: Preserving Claimed Error

Guidelines on preserving claimed errors in criminal cases.

Rule 52: Harmless and Plain Error

Guidelines on harmless and plain errors in criminal cases.

Rule 53: Broadcasting and Recording Court Proceedings

Guidelines on broadcasting and recording court proceedings in criminal cases.

Rule 54: Application and Exception

Guidelines on the application of these rules and exceptions in criminal cases.

Rule 55: Records

Guidelines on the maintenance and management of records in criminal cases.

Rule 56: Summary Judgment

Parties can request a summary judgment when there's no dispute about the important facts, and they're entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.

Rule 57: Declaratory Judgment

Provides the procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 and notes that having another adequate remedy doesn’t prevent seeking a declaratory judgment.

Rule 58: Entry of Judgment

Judgments must be set out in a separate document and entered promptly by the court clerk under certain conditions, such as jury verdicts or court awards.

Rule 59: New Trial; Altering or Amending a Judgment

Allows the court to grant a new trial or alter/amend a judgment for various reasons, including after jury or nonjury trials. A motion must be filed within 28 days of judgment.

Rule 60: Relief from a Judgment or Order

The court may relieve a party from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for reasons such as mistake, newly discovered evidence, fraud, a void judgment, or other reasons justifying relief.