This research guide is intended to provide information about where to find the rules of court for the state courts of Arizona and the federal courts. Both print and online sources are included in this guide. The court rules provide the rules of procedure and the rules governing the conduct of people having contact with the court. Included is a list of secondary print sources that can be useful in researching the interpretation of the rules and to research how courts have applied the rules.
You may notice references to local, general, federal and state rules. “Local” rules refer to those court rules of conduct and procedure that are required by specific courts within a jurisdiction. For example, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has rules that only apply to that particular court and no other. “General” rules are those that are required of all courts within a particular jurisdiction. The Federal Rules of Evidence is one set of general rules which are required in all federal courts. You must be aware of all rules that apply in your court of concern.
Access
The call numbers on this page link to library catalog records, which provide information about location, availability, and currency of each item in the Ross-Blakley Law Library.
Westlaw and LexisNexis links will take you to the specified database if you have a password. These links work better if you are already logged in. The College of Law provides Westlaw and LexisNexis passwords to its law faculty, staff, and students. Links to these commercial databases will open in a new tab or window.
I. Rules of Arizona State Courts
A. Print
Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated: KFA2430 1956 .A2 Published by Thomson West, the Arizona Revised Statutes in print contains the official text of the Arizona statutes. The ARS is fully annotated and includes notes of decisions, cross-references to other library resources, and law review citations. The library holds a number of copies; follow the call-number link above for location information.
The A.R.S. Annotated contains the following court rules:
Rules of Civil Procedure
Rules of Criminal Procedure
Rules of Evidence
Rules of the Supreme Court, which includes: Rules of Professional Conduct, State Bar of Arizona Trust Account Guidelines, Code of Judicial Conduct
Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure
Rules of Procedure for Special Actions
Rules of Procedure for Direct Appeals from Decisions of the Corporation Commission to the Arizona Court of Appeals
Rules of Procedure for Direct Appeals from Decisions of the Governing Bodies of Public Power Entities
Uniform Rules of Practice of the Superior Court of Arizona (Abrogated)
Arizona Tax Court rules of Practice
Local Rules of Practice – Superior Court (includes local rules for the following Arizona counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma)
Uniform Rules of Procedure for Arbitration (Abrogated)
Uniform Rules of Practice for Medical Malpractice Cases (abrogated)
Uniform Rules of Procedure for Medical Liability Review Panels in the Superior Court (repealed)
Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure: civil and criminal
Rules of Procedure for Enforcement of Tribal Court Involuntary Commitment Orders
Rule for Procedure for Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions
Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court
Local Rules of Procedure for the Pima County Juvenile Court
Rules of Procedure in Traffic Cases and Boating Cases
Rules of Procedure in Civil Traffic Violation Cases
Local Rules of Practice and Procedure – City Court – City of Phoenix
Local Rules of Practice and Procedure in City Court Civil Proceeding – City of Tucson
Local Rules of Pima County Justice of the Peace Courts Providing for Pre-trial; Conferences in Criminal Cases
Rules of Procedure for the Commission on Judicial Conduct
Rules of Procedure for Judicial Performance Review in the State of Arizona
Uniform Rules of Procedure for Commissions on Appellate and Trial Court Appointments
Rules of Procedure for Judicial Nominating Commissions (deleted)
Rules of Procedure for the Foster Care Review Boards
Supplemental Rules of the State Foster Care Review Board
Arizona Rules of Court, State: KFA2430 1956 .A2 State Rules Published by Thomson West, the Arizona Rules of Court, State is unannotated and includes the following general and Arizona state court rules:
Rules of Civil Procedure
Rules of Criminal Procedure
Arizona Rules of Evidence
Rules of the Supreme Court
Arizona Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure
Rules of Procedure for Special Actions
Rules of Procedure for Direct Appeals From Decisions of the Corporation Commission to the Arizona Court of Appeals
Rules of Procedure for Direct Appeals from Decisions of the Governing Bodies of Public Power Entities
Uniform Rules of Practice of the Superior Court of Arizona (abrogated)
Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure
Arizona Tax Court Rules of Practice
Local Rules of Practice for the Superior Courts
Uniform Rules of Procedure for Arbitration (abrogated)
Uniform Rules of Practice for Medical Malpractice Cases (abrogated)
Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure—Civil
Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure—Criminal
Rules of Procedure for Enforcement of Tribal Court Involuntary Commitment Orders
Rules of Procedure for the Recognition of Tribal Court Civil Judgments
Rules of Procedure for Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions
Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court
Local Rules of Procedure for the Pima County Juvenile Court [Abrogated]
Rules of Procedure in Traffic Cases and Boating Cases
Rules of Procedure in Civil Traffic Violation Cases
Local Rules of Practice and Procedure—City Court—City of Phoenix
Local Rules of Practice and Procedure—City Court—City of Tucson
Local Rules for Pima County Justice of the Peace Courts Providing for Pre-Trial Conferences in Criminal Cases
Rules of Procedure for the Commission on Judicial Conduct
Rules of Procedure for Judicial Performance Review in the State of Arizona
Uniform Rules of Procedure for Commissions on Appellate and Trial Court Appointments
Rules of Procedure for the Foster Care Review Boards
Supplemental Rules of the State Foster Care Review Board
Arizona Child Support Guidelines
Arizona Code of Judicial Administration
B. Online
State of Arizona: Court Rules http://azrules.westgroup.com/home/azrules/default.wl It provides free access to the unannotated Arizona local and general state court rules. Provided and maintained by Thomson West. Requires registration before access is granted.
Arizona Court Rules Forum http://www.supreme.state.az.us/rules/ Includes links to current rules, amendments to the rules that do not appear in the current rules and rule change petitions pending before the Arizona Supreme Court. Also provides a guide for filing petitions and comments.
II. Local Rules of Arizona Federal Courts
A. Print
Federal Local Court Rules KF8820 .A193 2001 The Federal Local Court Rules is a 7 volume loose-leaf set located in the reserve collection of the law library. It is arranged alphabetically by state and contains the federal district court rules for the 94 districts in the federal court system. The final volume contains the rules for each of the 11 circuit Courts of Appeals.
Bankruptcy Code Rules & Forms KF1511.596 .A2 The Bankruptcy Code Rules & Forms is published by Thomson West and includes Title 11 of the US Code and related statutes, as well as amendments to Title 11. Also includes the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence. It includes the official Bankruptcy forms.
Arizona Rules of Court, Federal KFA2430 1956 .A2 Fed. Rules The Arizona Rules of Court, Federal contains the rules required in the federal courts which are located in the state of Arizona. The contents of this volume include:
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Federal Rules of Evidence
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure With Ninth Circuit Rules and Circuit Advisory Committee Notes
Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit
Local Rules of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Local Bankruptcy Rules of Procedure for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
Federal Courts Miscellaneous Fee Schedules
B. Online
U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/documents.nsf/FRAP+and+Circuit+Rules?OpenView Provides access to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) & Local Circuit Rules. Provides the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) amendments and the latest Ninth Circuit Local Rules amendments. The PDF version is available for download. There are links to other courts including the other circuit Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Bankruptcy Court within the circuit.
US District Court: District of Arizona http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/azd/courtinfo.nsf/local+rules+2004?openview The local rules and archive of past rules are available back to 2004. It includes the Local Rules of Civil Procedure, Local Rules of Criminal Procedure, Local Rules of Evidence, and Local Rules of Bankruptcy Appeal Procedure. It includes amendments to the local rules and archives.
US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona http://www.azb.uscourts.gov/default.aspx?PID=16 PDF downloads are available for all of the local rules and interim rules for the District of Arizona Bankruptcy Court. This site provides links to individual local rules in Web format and PDF downloads to all of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Rules for the Ninth Circuit.
III. General Federal Court Rules
A. Print
United States Code Annotated (U.S.C.A.) (Appendices to Title 28) Law Core Published by Thomson West, the set includes annotations to court decisions and detailed indexes. It includes the following court rules:
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Federal Rules of Evidence
Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States
Rules of The United States Court of Federal Claims
Rules of the United States Court of International Trade
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
United States Courts of Appeals Rules
United States Code Service (U.S.C.S.) (Rules volumes) Law Core Published by LexisNexis, and also annotated, the rules volumes located after Title 50 in the USCS set provide comprehensive coverage for the following:
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims
Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
Rule of Procedure for the Trial of Misdemeanors before United States Magistrates
Rules Governing §2254 Cases
Rules Governing §2255 Proceedings
Federal Rules of Evidence
Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
Rules of The United States Court of Federal Claims
Rules of the United States Court of International Trade
Rules of Practice and Procedure of the United States Tax Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Courts of Criminal Appeals
Special Court, Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure KF8816 .A1976 Published by Thomson West, this volume includes the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure along with annotations, analysis and commentary about the rules.
Federal Criminal Code and Rules KF9607 .F41 Published by Thomson West, this volume includes the following:
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
Rules Governing Habeas Corpus Cases
Rules Governing Motion Attacking Sentence
Rules of Procedures for the Trial of Misdemeanors Before United States Magistrates [Abrogated]
Rules for the Alien Terrorist Removal Court
Federal Rules of Evidence for United States Courts and Magistrates
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States
Title 18, U.S. Code, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Constitution of the United States
Title 8, U.S. Code, Chapter 12, Immigration and Nationality, Subchapter II, Part VIII, General Penalty Provisions
Title 15, U.S. Code, Chapter 41, Consumer Credit Protection, Section 1644, Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards; Penalties
Title 21, U.S. Code, Chapter 13, Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Title 26, U.S. Code, Chapter 53, Machine Guns, Destructive Devices, and Certain Other Firearms
Title 28, U.S. Code, Chapter 58, United States Sentencing Commission
Title 31, U.S. Code, Chapter 53, Monetary Transactions, Subchapter II, Records and Reports on Monetary Instruments Transactions; Subchapter III, Money Laundering and Related Financial Crimes
Title 41, U.S. Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Sections 51 to 58, Anti-kickback Act of 1986
Title 46, App., U.S. Code, Chapter 38, Maritime Drug Law Enforcement
Title 49, U.S. Code
Consolidated Index
Federal Criminal Rules Handbook KF9607 .F442 Contains coverage of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure with analysis and discussion of how the rules may apply to various cases.
Federal Civil Judicial Procedure and Rules KF8816 .A194 Published by Thomson West, this volume includes the following rules:
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure:
Text of Rules
Appendix of Forms
Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Claims
Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
Rules Governing Habeas Corpus Cases
Rules Governing Motions Attacking Sentences
Federal Rules of Evidence:
Orders of the Supreme Court of the United States Adopting and Amending Rules
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure:
Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States
Title 28, U.S. Code, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure
Consolidated Index
B. Online
Federal Rules of Evidence Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute http://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/ It includes the text of the rules of evidence as followed in the federal civil and criminal courts.
United States Courts Federal Rulemaking http://www.uscourts.gov/rules/newrules4.html Contains rules published for comment, pending and completed rules amendments. Includes information about pending legislation which may affect the rules and includes information on the federal rule making process. Provides the following rules in PDF:
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure,
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
Federal Rules of Evidence.
Also provides the following local court rules:
US Courts of Appeals
US District Courts
Bankruptcy Appellate Panels
US Bankruptcy Courts
US Court of Federal Claims
US Court of International Trade.
US Code: Title 28: Appendix http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title28a/28a_4_.html Information provided by the Government Printing Office (GPO). It includes the text of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the US District Courts, the Appendix of Forms, and the supplemental rules for certain admiralty and maritime claims.
Supreme Court of the US Court Rules http://www.supremecourtus.gov/ctrules/ctrules.html This website provides the rules for the United States Supreme Court. It includes information about revisions to the rules and information for counsel about the rules. It provides the current rules and the prior version of the rules.
IV. Local Rules of Special Federal Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/contents.html The court's website provides the Rules for the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit available to download in PDF. Some forms in PDF are also available. The court has nationwide jurisdiction on a variety of subjects. Appeals come from the federal district courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United States Court of International Trade, and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. For more information about the court, go to http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/about.html.
Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/rules-united-states-court-federal-claims Rules are available to download in entirety or read individually on the web. Printer-friendly version is offered. Amongst the cases the court hears are those involving tax refunds, government contracts, environmental and natural resource issues, civilian and military pay questions and intellectual property, Indian tribe, and various statutory claims. For more information about the court, go to http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/about-court.
Rules of the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.uscourts.gov/court_procedures/ This site includes the court rules and procedures for the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. User is able to browse table of contents and read rules individually. It includes the rules on admission and practice in this court. The court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. For more information about the court, go to http://www.vetapp.gov/.
Rules of the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces http://www.armfor.uscourts.gov/Rules.htm The website includes the current rules and pending changes. Rules are browsed in PDF with table of content links on left side menu. Click on links to read individual rules. The court has worldwide appellate jurisdiction over members of the US military. For more information about the court and its jurisdiction, go to http://www.armfor.uscourts.gov/Establis.htm.
Rules of the US Tax Court http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/notice.htm The website provides the rules of practice and procedure for the US Tax Court. There are links available to each title with the dates of amendments. The court has the jurisdiction to hear taxpayers' deficiency rulings. For more information about the court, go to http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/about.htm.
V. Links to Additional State and Federal Court Websites
LLRX http://www.llrx.com/courtrules Links to over 1,400 sources for state and federal court rules, forms and dockets. You can browse to find the resource you need, or search by keyword.
Federal Appellate Practice: 9th Circuit KF9054 9th .F44 1999 This 2 volume set covers ninth circuit federal practice and procedure. It includes information on the appellate process, procedure, rules and general orders. It is updated semiannually with a cumulative supplement.
Federal Criminal Code and Rules KF9607 .F41 Provides commentary and interpretation of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Rules for the Alien Terrorist Removal Court of the United States, Title 18 of the US Code, the U.S. Constitution, and selected sections of USCA.
Federal Practice & Procedure KF8840 .W7 Most often referred to by its authors, Wright and Miller, provides in-depth analysis of each federal rule as applied by the courts. Also includes citations to cases, statutes and other relevant material.
Federal Rules of Evidence Digest KF8935 .F431 The digest provides citations to cases that have interpreted the Federal Rules of Evidence. Cases cited can be found in the West's® Federal Reporter® System and the Federal Rules of Evidence Service.
Federal Rules of Evidence Service KF8935 .F43 This service provides the selected text of cases that have construed the rules of evidence.
Federal Rules Digest KF8830.1 .F43 1973 This Thomson West digest contains cases interpreting and applying the federal rules. Citations are to cases in West's Federal Reporter.
Moore's Federal Practice KF8820 .A313 M63 1997 Moore's is considered one of the most authoritative treatises on federal practice. Included is the full text of the rules as well as analysis and interpretation of the rules through case law and comments.
Moore's Federal Rules Pamphlet KF8820 .A313 M64 The Pamphlet is 4 volumes, each devoted to a set of rules. Volume 1 covers civil rules including Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, the U.S. Supreme Court Rules and the Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Volume 2 covers the Federal Rules of Evidence. Volume 3 covers the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Federal Habeas Corpus Procedural Rules. Volume 4 covers the Federal Judicial Code. Each volume includes commentary and case annotations.
McCormick on Evidence KF8935 .M29 2006 McCormick provides in-depth analysis of the rules of evidence. Included is analysis of experimental and scientific evidence. Also analyzes and discusses the effect changes in modern technologies have on evidence.
The Law of Federal Courts KF8840 .W73 2002 This treatise explains the US federal court structure and procedure. Some topics covered include: federal questions, structure, jurisdiction, venue, diversity of citizenship, and procedure in federal courts.
Supreme Court Practice KF9057 .S8 2007 Published by BNA, this volume contains information on all aspects of practicing law before the US Supreme Court. The authors give advice on preparing petitions for certiorari, briefs and motions. It includes checklists for filing an action in the court. There is a discussion of how to file In Forma Pauperis. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the rules.
