Legal Definitions - rules of procedure

Definition: Rules of procedure refer to the specific methods or courses of action that are followed in a particular situation. In the legal context, it refers to the judicial rules or manner for carrying on a civil lawsuit or criminal prosecution.

Examples:

• In a courtroom, there are rules of procedure that must be followed by the judge, lawyers, and witnesses.
• When conducting a meeting, there may be rules of procedure that dictate how the meeting is run and how decisions are made.
• During a sports game, there are rules of procedure that govern how the game is played and how penalties are enforced.

The examples illustrate how rules of procedure are specific methods or courses of action that are followed in different situations. In each example, there are rules that must be followed in order for the situation to proceed in an orderly and fair manner. Without rules of procedure, there would be chaos and confusion.