Rule 71 Process in Behalf of and Against Persons Not Parties

Sometimes a court order affects someone who isn't officially part of a lawsuit. This rule covers what happens in that situation.

If a court order gives benefits or rights to someone who isn't a party to the case, that person can still enforce the order. They can use the same legal tools a party would use to make sure the other side follows the order.

The same works in reverse. If a court order requires someone to do something, and that person isn't a party to the case, they can still be held to it. The court can use the same enforcement methods against them as it would against an actual party.

In short, this rule makes sure court orders can be enforced by or against the right people, even if those people weren't formally part of the lawsuit from the start.