Authority; scope; construction

1.1 Authority - These rules are promulgated pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071 and Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Amendment of these rules is governed by Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 1.2 Short title - These rules may be cited and referred to individually as "W.D. Mich. LCivR ________." 1.3 Amendments - These rules may be amended by a majority vote of the district judges in conformity with Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

These rules include amendments through January 1, 2019. 1.4 Applicability - These rules apply to all civil proceedings in this court. 1.5 Scope - These rules govern the procedure in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, govern the practice of attorneys before this court, and supersede all previous rules promulgated by this court or any judge thereof. Administrative orders and single-judge standing orders shall be maintained by the clerk on the court’s website or made available upon request.

All such orders shall be consistent with these rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 1.6 Construction - These rules shall be construed to achieve an orderly administration of the business of this court and to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action. References to statutes, regulations or rules shall be interpreted to include all revisions and amendments thereto. References to the clerk shall be interpreted to mean the clerk of this court or any deputy clerk.

Wherever used in these rules, the term "party," whether in the singular or plural, shall include all parties appearing in the action pro se and the attorney or attorneys of record for represented parties, where appropriate. II.

COMMENCING AN ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS