Rule 1. Scope and Purpose

These rules govern the procedure in all civil actions and proceedings in the Civil

Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, with the exception of cases in

the Landlord and Tenant Branch and the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the

court and other exceptions stated in Rule 81. They should be construed, administered,

and employed by the court and the parties to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive

determination of every action and proceeding.

COMMENT TO 2017 AMENDMENTS

This rule was amended consistent with the 2007 and 2015 amendments to Federal

Rule of Civil Procedure 1. The addition of the phrase “employed by the court and the

parties” is intended to emphasize that the court, parties, and attorneys are all

responsible for using these rules to achieve the stated goals.

COMMENT

This Rule parallels Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 1 but has been modified to

reflect applicability to appropriate cases in the Superior Court. Note that these Rules do

not, by their own terms, extend to cases in the Landlord and Tenant Branch or the Small

Claims and Conciliation Branch; however, the separate Rules for those respective

branches do designate certain of these Rules for incorporation by reference therein.

Further, the scope of these rules will necessarily be expanded in the future as new rules

are promulgated to govern procedure in areas (such as probate) over which the court

receives jurisdiction in subsequent increments. See D.C. Code (1967 Edition,

Supplement IV) § 11-921.

The phrase "these Rules" refers to the entire body of Superior Court Rules of Civil

Procedure, those derived from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and those purely

local Rules bearing numbers above 100. Any reference herein to a particular Rule, as,

for example, "Rule 69" comprehends both the original Rule and any addenda thereto,

e.g., "69-I" and "69-II".