Rule 19.03 Misdemeanors or Felonies - Rules - Construction

These rules exist to make sure criminal cases move forward in a way that is fair, quick, and doesn't cost more time or money than necessary. Courts are supposed to look at Rules 19 through 36 with this goal in mind whenever they apply them to a case.

In practical terms, this means judges should avoid unnecessary delays or extra steps that waste time or add costs. If there's ever a question about how to apply one of these rules, the court should choose the approach that keeps the case moving fairly and efficiently for everyone involved, including the defendant, the prosecution, and any victims or witnesses.

This rule doesn't create new rights or procedures on its own. Instead, it acts as a guide for how all the other rules in this section should be understood and used.