Scope and Application of Rules

(a) These rules may be known and cited as the Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure, or abbreviated JCRCP. (b) These rules govern the procedure in the justice courts in all suits of a civil nature. They must be construed and administered to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action. Whenever it is made to appear to the court that a particular situation does not fall within any of these rules or that the literal application of a rule would work hardship or injustice in a particular situation, the court must make such order as the interests of justice require. (c) These rules must not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of the justice courts or the venue of actions therein. (d) To the extent that any rule herein conflicts with a statute, the statute must control. (e) Each justice court may adopt the Rural Justice Court Rules or may promulgate local rules of practice in any manner not inconsistent with these rules. (f) Rules 1 and 3–87 also apply to civil proceedings in municipal courts to the extent practicable. [Amended; effective October 29, 2024.]