Also known as: FRCP 1 · Fed. R. Civ. P. 1 · Rule 1 · FRCP Rule 1 · Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A procedural rule establishing that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure should be construed, administered, and employed by the court and the parties to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.
Farid Farahani files a civil complaint in federal court. The defendant moves to dismiss on a technical pleading defect. The court invokes Federal Rule 1 to construe the complaint liberally, allowing amendment rather than dismissal so the case can reach a just result without unnecessary delay or expense.
Fiona Foster sues a supplier in federal district court. After costly discovery, the parties dispute whether a minor scheduling order should be enforced. The court applies Federal Rule 1 to relax the deadline, promoting speedy and inexpensive resolution while still preserving the opportunity for a just outcome on the merits.
Francesca Fiore moves to compel production of documents in a contract action. The producing party claims undue burden. Citing Federal Rule 1, the court narrows the request rather than denying it outright, balancing the need for relevant information against the goal of inexpensive litigation.
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Frank Fisher seeks an extension of the discovery cutoff in a civil suit. Opposing counsel objects. The court grants a short extension under Federal Rule 1, reasoning that modest additional time will facilitate a more just determination without materially increasing cost or delay.
Frederick Ferguson requests a protective order limiting disclosure of trade secrets. The court fashions a narrowly tailored order, invoking Federal Rule 1 to ensure the litigation proceeds justly and efficiently while avoiding unnecessary expense to either party.
Faith Fitzgerald moves for summary judgment in a federal civil rights case. The court, guided by Federal Rule 1, denies the motion without prejudice and orders targeted additional discovery, aiming to reach a just result while keeping litigation speedy and affordable for both sides.
The rule requires courts and parties to construe and apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in a manner that simultaneously advances just outcomes, timely resolution, and reduced expense. These objectives can conflict, requiring case-by-case balancing rather than rigid prioritization of any single value.
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The rule states an overarching purpose rather than granting independent substantive rights. Courts invoke it to guide interpretation of other rules and to support inherent authority, but it does not itself provide a basis for relief or sanctions.
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Mandatory arbitration in consumer and employment settings may undermine access to dispute resolution when parties lack meaningful choice or understanding. The rule's emphasis on just, speedy, and inexpensive determination highlights tension when arbitration effectively eliminates any practical forum.
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…themselves provide that they are to be construed “to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.” Rule 1. The Court of Appeals also erred in affirming the District Court’s denial of petitioner’s motion to vacate the judgment in order to allow amendment of the complaint. As appears from the…