Misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal of an action. Parties may be dropped or added by order of the court on motion of any party or of its own initiative at any stage of the action and on such terms as are just. Any claim against a party may be severed and proceeded with separately.
Rule 21.Misjoinder and Non-Joinder of Parties.
Last verified July 6, 2026
In one sentenceRule 21 makes clear that adding the wrong party or leaving someone out is never grounds to dismiss a lawsuit, and lets the court add, drop, or sever any party's claims at any stage on whatever terms are just.
Full Text of Rule 21
Amendment History
(Adopted by SCO 5 October 9, 1959)
Plain-English Summary
Misjoinder of parties — naming someone who shouldn't be in the case — is never grounds to dismiss the action. The court may add or drop parties on its own initiative or on any party's motion, at any stage of the case and on whatever terms are just, and it may sever any claim against a party to proceed with separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a case get thrown out just because the wrong party was named?
No — Rule 21 specifically says misjoinder of parties is not grounds for dismissal.
Can the court add or remove a party on its own, without a motion?
Yes — the rule lets the court act on its own initiative, as well as on a party’s motion, at any stage of the case.
Source & verification. The rule text, Amendment History, and Notes are reproduced verbatim from the
official Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure (Alaska R. Civ. P. 21). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Alaska (Alaska Const. art. IV, § 15). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 6, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: misjoinder of parties Alaskawrong party named lawsuitdropping or adding parties Alaska ruleAlaska R. Civ. P. 21