Rules 41 to 101, inclusive, shall be construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action.
Rule 41.03.Rules--Construction.
Rule 41: General · Last amended September 1, 1972 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule states the guiding purpose behind every civil procedure rule in Missouri, directing courts and parties to read and apply Rules 41 through 101 in whatever way secures a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of each case.
Full Text of Rule 41.03
Amendment History
Adopted Feb. 1, 1972, eff. Sept. 1, 1972.
Official Comment
This is substantially the same as the last sentence of prior Rule 41.03. Compare: Rule 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 41.03 sets the tone for everything that follows. Rules 41 through 101 are to be read and applied to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action. That single sentence functions as an interpretive guide — when a rule is ambiguous or a court has discretion about how to apply it, this stated purpose points the way.
Judges and lawyers invoke this type of purpose clause when arguing that a court should favor an efficient path to resolving a dispute over one that adds delay or expense without a good reason. It does not create new rights or deadlines by itself; it shapes how the rest of the rules get interpreted and applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rule 41.03 create any specific deadline or procedure?
No. It states the purpose behind the civil procedure rules as a whole — a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution — instead of setting out a specific requirement.
How does this rule get used in a case?
Courts and parties can point to it when arguing that a rule should be read or applied in the way that best promotes a fair and efficient resolution, especially where a rule leaves room for discretion.
Does “inexpensive” mean a party cannot be charged court costs or fees?
No. It reflects a general goal of avoiding unnecessary expense in litigation, not a bar on ordinary costs or fees that other rules and statutes authorize.
Is this similar to any federal rule?
It serves a role comparable to the purpose statement found in the federal civil rules, though Missouri’s rule is its own independent statement adopted for Missouri practice.
Who benefits from this rule?
Every party to a civil action, since it commits the whole body of civil procedure rules to being interpreted with fairness, speed, and reasonable cost in mind.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: purpose of civil rules missourijust speedy inexpensiverule construction standardinterpreting missouri civil rulesgoal of civil procedure