Rule 1-201. Rules of Construction

(a) General These rules shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration, and elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay. When a rule, by the word “shall” or otherwise, mandates or prohibits conduct, the consequences of noncompliance are those prescribed by these rules or by statute. If no consequences are prescribed, the court may compel compliance with the rule or may determine the consequences of the noncompliance in light of the totality of the circumstances and the purpose of the rule.

(b) Jurisdiction and Venue Unaffected These rules shall not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of any court or, except as expressly provided, the venue of actions.

(c) Effect on Common Law and Statutory Provisions Neither these rules nor omissions from these rules supersede common law or statute unless inconsistent with these rules.

(d) Singular and Plural--Gender Words in the singular include the plural and words in any gender include all genders except as necessary implication requires.

(e) Headings, References, and Notes Not Rules Headings, subheadings, cross references, committee notes, source references, and annotations are not part of these rules.

(f) Statute of Limitations The term “statute of limitations” includes a statute of repose, except as necessary implication requires.

Committee Notes

Source: This Rule is derived as follows: Section (a) is in part consistent with the 1966 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 1 and is derived from former Rule 701. The last two sentences are new. Section (b) is derived from former Rule 1 h and i. Section (c) is derived from former Rules 1 g and 701. Section (d) is derived from former Rule 2 c. Section (e) is derived from former Rule 2 b. Section (f) is new.