The rules in Part IV, insofar as applicable, govern the practice and procedure of civil actions in the Superior Court, Law and Chancery Divisions, the surrogate’s courts and the Tax Court except as otherwise provided in Part VI and Part VIII.
Rule 4:1.Scope of rules
Last amended January 2, 1989 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:1 sets the reach of New Jersey's Part IV civil practice rules, applying them to civil actions in the Superior Court's Law and Chancery Divisions, the surrogate's courts, and the Tax Court, unless Part VI or Part VIII provides otherwise.
Full Text of Rule 4:1
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.
Source-R.R. 4:1-1. Amended June 20, 1979 to be effective July 1, 1979; amended July 26, 1984 to be effective September 10, 1984; amended November 7, 1988 to be effective January 2, 1989.
Plain-English Summary
This opening rule marks the boundary of Part IV. The rules that follow govern how civil cases are run in the Superior Court, in its Law and Chancery Divisions, in the surrogate's courts, and in the Tax Court. If you are litigating an ordinary civil matter in one of those courts, these are the rules that apply.
The reach is not unlimited. Part IV yields where Part VI (the Special Civil Part) or Part VIII carves out its own treatment, and the phrase “insofar as applicable” leaves room for a rule to fit some proceedings imperfectly. Other subjects — family practice, for instance — run under their own Parts of the Rules of Court rather than under Part IV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which courts do the Part IV rules govern?
The Superior Court’s Law and Chancery Divisions, the surrogate’s courts, and the Tax Court. These rules set the practice and procedure for civil actions in each of them.
Do these rules cover family or Special Civil Part cases?
Not as their primary home. Family and matrimonial matters run under Part V, and the Special Civil Part has its own treatment under Part VI. Rule 4:1 expressly gives way where Part VI or Part VIII provides otherwise.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:1). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: scope of ruleswhich courtsapplicabilityPart IV coveragecivil practice rules reach