Scope and Purpose

These rules govern the procedure in all civil actions and proceedings in the State of Wyoming courts, except for actions and proceedings in the chancery 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. History: Added February 2, 2017, effective March 1, 2017; amended October 26, 2021, effective January 1, 2022. Source. — This rule is similar to Rule 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, modified to make it applicable to Wyoming courts and statutory proceedings. Cross references. — For Code of Civil Pro- cedure generally, see title 1. As to authority of Supreme Court to adopt, modify and repeal rules and forms governing pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, see §§ 5-2-114 through 5-2-117. As to adoption of rules and regulations relative to the practice of law by the Supreme Court, see § 5-2-118. The distinction between actions at law and suits in equity has been abolished. — Thickman v. Schunk, 391 P.2d 939, 1964 Wyo. LEXIS 98 (Wyo. 1964). And careful adherence to all provisions required. — The Supreme Court adopted the Wyoming counterpart of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure at the instance of the Wyoming State Bar and, being cognizant of the difficulty in adjusting to new rules, has been extremely lenient in applying them, hoping that all might become conversant with them before any liti- gants were injured by reason of counsel’s fail- ure of compliance. However, the time has now passed when this view will be further justified and hereafter there must be careful adherence to all of the provisions of the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. Ruby v. Schuett, 360 P.2d 170, 1961 Wyo. LEXIS 84 (Wyo. 1961). But just and speedy determination most important. — There is no more important provision in rules of procedure than the provi- sion for a just and speedy determination, and courts have been true to this purpose. Weiss v. State, 434 P.2d 761, 1967 Wyo. LEXIS 188 (Wyo. 1967).