Court procedures generally refers to the strict processes and procedures the parties to a civil lawsuit must follow during the pretrial, trial, and posttrial phases of civil litigation. These procedures are usually defined and set forth in detail in the applicable rules of civil procedure, rules of court, and local rules.
In West Virginia, court procedures for civil litigation are governed by the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, which outline the processes that parties must follow from the initiation of a lawsuit through its resolution. These rules cover various stages of litigation including filing complaints, serving documents, discovery, pretrial motions, trial conduct, and the appeals process. Additionally, the West Virginia Trial Court Rules and local rules of each jurisdiction may provide further guidance on specific procedures within that court. These rules are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process, and failure to adhere to them can result in delays, sanctions, or dismissal of a case. It is important for parties to be familiar with these rules or to consult with an attorney to navigate the complexities of civil litigation effectively.