Rules of the Superior Court – 2026

The Superior Court is New Hampshire's court of general jurisdiction and the only forum in the state for a jury trial, civil or criminal. Its civil rules were deliberately rewritten in plain language: Rule 4 establishes one form of action, the appearance and answer are both due 30 days after service, and Rule 5 drives the schedule through a case structuring order. Rule 207 implements the Business and Commercial Dispute Docket.

Last updated September 05, 2026

Browse all 80 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.

Civil Rules

Criminal Rules 101

Medical Malpractice Screening Panels (Rsa 519-B)

Rule 301 [Plaintiff to provide copy of complaint to Superior Court Center] Rule 302 [Panel members to provide C.V. to Superior Court Center] Rule 303 [Counsel to submit proposed joint Scheduling Conference Order] Rule 304 [Authority of Panel Chair] Rule 305 [Panel Hearing to be scheduled within 6 months of return date] Rule 306 [Panel Hearing to be held at least 90 days before trial date] Rule 307 Witness Lists Rule 308 Length of Panel Hearing Rule 309 Submissions 30 days prior to Panel Hearing: Rule 310 Submissions 10 days prior to the Panel Hearing: Rule 311 Allocation of time at the Panel Hearing Rule 312 Offers of Proof and Expert Opinions Rule 313 Waiver of Panel Hearing

Miscellaneous Rules

Rule 201 Fees Rule 202 Untimely-Filed Guardian ad Litem Reports Rule 203 Access to Confidential Records -- Fees and Notice Rule 204 Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting Rule 205 Juror Orientation Rule 206 Duplication of Audio Recordings Rule 207 Business and Commercial Dispute Docket Rule 208 Administrative Orders

General Principles

Rule 1 Scope, Purpose, Enforcement, Waiver and Substantial Rights Rule 2 Computation of Time Rule 3 Filing and Service

Commencement of Action

Rule 4 Preliminary Process Rule 5 Case Structuring Order

Pleadings and Motions

Rule 6 Pleadings Allowed Rule 7 Pleadings, Motions and Objections, General Rule 8 Complaint Rule 9 Answers; Defenses; Forms of Denials Rule 10 Counterclaims, Cross-claims and Third-Party Claims Rule 11 Motions -- General Rule 12 Motions -- Specific Rule 13 Objections Rule 13A Reply and Surreply Rule 13B Confidential Documents and Confidential Information

Parties and Their Representatives

Rule 14 Third Parties Rule 15 Intervention Rule 16 Class Actions Rule 17 Appearance and Withdrawal Rule 18 Counsel Rule 19 Out of State Counsel (Admission Pro Hac Vice) Rule 20 Non-attorney Representatives

Discovery

Rule 21 General Provisions Rule 22 Automatic Disclosures Rule 23 Written Interrogatories Rule 24 Production of Documents Rule 25 Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (ESI) Rule 26 Depositions Rule 27 Expert Witnesses Rule 28 Requests for Admissions Rule 28A Medical Injuries and Special Damages Rule 29 Discovery Motions

Alternatives to Trial

Rule 30 Mediation Rule 31 Summary Jury Trial Rule 32 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Rule 33 Arbitration by Agreement Rule 34 Judge-Conducted Intensive Mediation

Trials

Rule 35 Trial Management Conference Rule 36 Standing Trial Orders - Procedures Rule 37 Standing Trial Orders - Proof Rule 38 Jurors

Judgement

Rule 39 Settlements Rule 40 Approval of Settlements: Minors Rule 41 Dismissal of Actions Rule 42 Default Rule 43 Procedure After Trial Rule 44 Verdict upon Negotiable Instrument Rule 45 Taxation of Costs Rule 46 Appeals and Transfers to Supreme Court

Provisional and Final Remedies

Rule 47 Attachments Rule 48 Injunctions Rule 49 Security Rule 50 Deposit in Court Rule 51 Periodic Payments Rule 52 Enforcement, Contempt, Arrest

Special Proceedings

Rule 53 Special School and Town Meetings Rule 54 Petition for Waiver of Parental Notice Prior to Abortion Rule 55 Appeal from Municipal Actions