Civil procedure is the body of law that sets out the process that courts will follow when hearing cases of a civil nature (a "civil action", as opposed to a criminal action). These rules govern how a lawsuit or case may be commenced, what kind of service of process is required, the types of pleadings or statements of case, motions or applications, and orders allowed in civil cases, the timing and manner of depositions and discovery or disclosure, the conduct of trials, the process for judgment, various available remedies, and how the courts and clerks must function
The steps taken and methods used in bringing and conducting a civil action; also : a course of study in the rules of procedure in civil actions
The rules and process by which a civil case is tried and appealed, including the preparations for trial, the rules of evidence and trial conduct, and the procedure for pursuing appeals
the rules and process that govern how a civil case is presented in court; includes presentation of evidence, trial conduct, and the process of appealing a decision
The rules and processes by which a civil case is tried and appealed, including the preparations for trial, the rules of evidence and trial conduct and the procedure for pursuing appeals In the Northern District, parties must follow both the federal and local rules of civil procedure