§ 11 [Mandatory Versus Permissive Language]

When you read court rules, the words "shall" and "may" have very specific meanings. "Shall" means something must happen. There is no choice. "May" means something is allowed but not required.

For example, if a rule says a judge "shall" do something, the judge has to do it. If a rule says a judge "may" do something, the judge can choose to do it or not.

This matters when you are reading rules that affect your case. Pay attention to which word is used, because it tells you whether something is required or just an option.