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Simple English definitions for legal terms
procedural law
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A quick definition of procedural law:
Procedural law is the set of rules that tell us how the court system works and how to make sure everyone's rights are protected. These rules include things like how to file a lawsuit, how to gather evidence, and how to conduct a trial. In the United States, there are federal rules for how courts should work, but each state also has its own rules. Procedural law is different from substantive law, which is about the actual rights and wrongs of a case. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between the two, but procedural law is important because it can greatly affect the outcome of a case.
A more thorough explanation:
Procedural law is a set of rules that governs how the court system works and ensures that individuals' rights are protected. It includes laws that dictate how court proceedings are conducted, such as pleading requirements, discovery rules, and standards of review.
For example, in the United States federal court system, the Rules Enabling Act of 1934 gives the Supreme Court the power to establish general rules for the district courts and the courts of the District of Columbia. This has resulted in the creation of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which provide guidance on how federal courts should administer justice in civil cases.
Procedural law also includes rules of criminal procedure, which govern how criminal cases are handled in court. These rules cover everything from arrest and indictment to arraignment and trial.
While procedural law is distinct from substantive rights, it can still have a significant impact on a case's outcome. For example, in the Supreme Court's Erie R. Co. v. Tompkins decision, the court ruled that federal courts must follow state substantive law but have the power to establish their own procedural rules.
Overall, procedural law is essential to ensuring that the court system operates fairly and efficiently, protecting the rights of individuals and promoting justice.