Civil procedure includes the procedures and rules that govern civil (non-criminal) litigation in state and federal courts. Many states have rules of civil procedure written by the state supreme court, for example, and other states include their rules of procedure in state statutes enacted by the state legislature.
In Georgia, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules established by the Georgia Supreme Court. The Georgia Civil Practice Act, found in Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), provides the framework for civil litigation in state courts. This Act covers various aspects of civil procedure, including the commencement of an action, pleadings and motions, discovery, trial preparation, and the conduct of trials. Additionally, the Georgia Supreme Court has established the Uniform Superior Court Rules, which apply to civil cases in the state's superior courts. These rules are designed to provide consistency and efficiency in the handling of civil matters. Federal civil litigation in Georgia, on the other hand, is governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which apply to all civil cases in the United States district courts.