Vol. 13, No. 1 January 2017
New Civil Rules
A reminder that the civil rules of procedure were restyled, updated, and
in some instances, moved. The new rules took effect January 1 and apply to new
cases and pending cases, unless the court makes individual determinations that
the older version of a rule or rules are needed. Make sure boilerplate
citations are still accurate or updated to reflect the new version. Some rules,
such as formatting documents, moved to other sections with similar rules.
If using a rule book, make sure it is the latest version or double-check
citations online. The Supreme Court posts rule information online at http://www.azcourts.gov/Rules/, or do
an internet search for “Arizona Court Rules,” or go directly to https://govt.westlaw.com/azrules/index?__lrTS=20161215173029596&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default).
Court forms provided by the Clerk’s Office, the Superior Court, and the
Administrative Office of the Courts should be updated or will be in the near
future.
Criminal Rules Rewrite
A Supreme Court task force recently completed its work restyling the
criminal rules of procedure. The proposed changes will be submitted in a rule
petition this month. Review the changes for concerns and check the Supreme
Court’s website for deadlines and how to comment. This effort follows earlier
task forces that have tackled the rules of civil appellate procedure, justice
courts, civil procedure, and others. The task forces are charged with reviewing
existing rules and finding ways to restyle, simplify, and clarify them. See the
Court Rules Forum online at http://www.azcourts.gov/Rules-Forum.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for your ideas,
feedback, suggestions, and recommendations. The Clerk’s Office anticipates new
changes and new challenges in 2017 and looks forward to your input and
participation along the way. Happy New Year!
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