Except as otherwise provided, these rules govern the procedure and practice in all courts of the state of Indiana in all suits of a civil nature whether cognizable as cases at law, in equity, or of statutory origin. They must be construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action. Courts may adopt local and administrative district rules con- sistent with the procedures and limitations in Rule 81.
Rule 1.Scope of the rules
Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 13, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1 sets the reach of Indiana’s Trial Rules: except where another rule provides otherwise, they govern procedure in every civil suit in every Indiana state court — whether the claim sounds in law, equity, or statute — and must be read to produce a just, speedy, and inexpensive result.
Full Text of Rule 1
Amendment History
This rule’s current text took effect January 1, 2026. For the full history of earlier amendments and adoption orders, see the Indiana Office of Court Services.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1 opens the rulebook by drawing its outer boundary. With limited exceptions, it applies to every civil case filed in an Indiana state court, no matter what kind of claim is at stake — a suit for money damages, a request for an injunction, or a claim created by statute all fall under the same set of rules. Indiana no longer separates lawsuits into old categories like actions at law and suits in equity; one set of procedures covers them all.
The rule also states the goal every other rule should serve: a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution. Courts lean on that language when a rule could be read two ways — the reading that avoids needless delay and expense, without sacrificing fairness, tends to win out.
Finally, Rule 1 lets courts write their own local and administrative rules, but only within the limits Rule 81 sets. A judicial district cannot use a local rule to override or narrow the rights the statewide Trial Rules already give litigants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts does Rule 1 apply to?
Rule 1 governs procedure in all Indiana state courts hearing civil suits — cases at law, in equity, or created by statute — except where another rule or Rule 81 provides a different procedure.
Do the Indiana Trial Rules apply in federal court?
No. The Trial Rules govern only Indiana’s own state courts. Cases in federal court in Indiana follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure instead.
What does “just, speedy, and inexpensive” mean for my case?
It’s the standard courts use to interpret every other Trial Rule. When a procedural question has more than one reasonable answer, courts favor the one that resolves the case justly while avoiding needless cost and delay.
Can a local court make up its own procedural rules?
A court may adopt local or administrative rules, but Rule 1 requires those rules to stay consistent with the procedures and limits set out in Rule 81. Local rules cannot conflict with the statewide Trial Rules.
Are there civil proceedings the Trial Rules don’t cover?
Yes. Rule 1 begins with “except as otherwise provided,” and Rule 81 identifies proceedings — such as small claims cases — that follow different or supplemental procedures.
Why does Rule 1 mention “suits in equity”?
It’s a reminder that Indiana merged the old, separate systems of law and equity into one set of procedures. A claim for an injunction and a claim for money damages both proceed under the same Trial Rules.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure (T.R. 1). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Indiana, under its inherent constitutional rulemaking power (reaffirmed by Ind. Code 34-8-1-1 and 34-8-2-1); originally enacted by the Indiana General Assembly in 1969. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 13, 2026. ·
Official source
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