District Court Rules – 2026

The District Court's rules, effective November 20, 1993 and cited "4 DCR". DCR 2 makes the High Court Rules and the Trial Court Rules apply in the District Court so far as practicable, so this set covers what is distinctive. Part II is SMALL CLAIMS (DCR 3-13): claims under $3,000, commenced by a sworn claim on a clerk's form filed in person or by mail, with an appeal to the Trial Division within 5 days for a trial de novo whose judgment is final. The District Court also handles initial appearances and preliminary examinations in every criminal case and tries misdemeanors, with a 6-person unanimous jury where the offense carries more than 6 months.

Last updated September 08, 2026

Browse all 29 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

Rule 1 Title and Scope Rule 2 Applicability of Other Rules Rule 3 Equitable Relief Rule 4 Commencement of Action Rule 5 Defendant’s Counterclaim Rule 6 Evidence – Witnesses – Costs Rule 7 Prosecution or Defense by Attorneys Rule 8 Assignee Filing Claim Rule 9 Execution of Judgments Rule 10 Satisfaction of Judgment Rule 11 Right to Appeal Rule 12 Procedure on Appeal Rule 13 De Novo Judgment Final Rule 14 In General Rule 15 Applicability of Other Rules Rule 16 Scope Rule 17 Jurisdiction Rule 18 Caption of Petitions Rule 19 Petition for Voluntary Relinquishment Rule 20 Petition for Termination of Parental Rights Rule 21 Service on Respondent Rule 22 Waiver of Appearance Rule 23 Petitioner’s Presence Required Rule 24 Scope Rule 25 Jurisdiction Rule 26 Caption of Petitions Rule 27 Requirement for Petition Rule 28 Notice to Father of Illegitimate Child Rule 29 Investigation by Child Protection Officer