Rule 1 Scope of Rules

Here's a plain-English summary of this rule:

These rules set out how civil lawsuits work in district court. They apply to almost every civil case in the state, with only a few exceptions listed in Rule 81. If your case falls under one of those exceptions, different rules might apply instead.

The main goal behind these rules is to make sure cases are handled fairly, quickly, and without wasting people's money. Courts are supposed to use these rules in a way that helps people get a fair outcome without unnecessary delays or costs. So if you're involved in a civil case, these are the basic ground rules that both sides and the judge need to follow throughout the process.