(1) The title of these Rules is Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure. They may be cited as such, or as the "Civil Rules," or by the abbreviation "CR."
Rule 1.Title and Scope of rules.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1 names Kentucky's civil procedure rules the “Civil Rules” or “CR” and defines their reach: every civil action in the Court of Justice, except special statutory proceedings (where the statute's own procedure controls) and civil appeals (governed by the Rules of Appellate Procedure).
Full Text of Rule 1
(2) These Rules govern procedure and practice in all actions of a civil nature in the Court of Justice except for special statutory proceedings, in which the procedural requirements of the statute shall prevail over any inconsistent procedures set forth in the Rules, and appeals from civil actions, which are governed by the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Regulations and manuals published by the Administrative Office of the Courts upon authorization of the Supreme Court relating to internal policy and administration within the Court of Justice shall have the same effect as if incorporated in the Rules.
Amendment History
(Amended effective July 1, 1976; amended October 14, 1977, effective January 1, 1978; amended October 25, 2022, effective January 1, 2023.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1 gives Kentucky's civil procedure rules their name — the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure, shortened to “Civil Rules” or “CR” — and marks out where they apply. They cover every civil action heard in Kentucky's Court of Justice, from Circuit Court to District Court. Two things sit outside that reach. First, special statutory proceedings: when a statute sets its own procedural steps, those steps control over any conflicting CR provision. Second, appeals: once a civil case moves to an appellate court, the Rules of Appellate Procedure take over.
The rule also folds in a layer most litigants never see directly. Regulations and manuals the Administrative Office of the Courts publishes, when the Supreme Court has authorized them, carry the same force as if they were written into the Rules themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CR mean in a Kentucky court filing?
CR stands for Civil Rules — the short name Rule 1 gives the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure. A citation like “CR 12.02” refers to this body of rules.
Do the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure govern appeals?
No. Rule 1 excludes appeals from civil actions; those are governed by the Rules of Appellate Procedure instead.
What happens if a statute and a Civil Rule conflict on procedure?
In a special statutory proceeding, the statute's own procedural requirements prevail over any inconsistent provision in the Civil Rules.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 1). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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