Subject to R. 4:30A (entire controversy doctrine), the plaintiff in the complaint or in an answer to a counterclaim denominated as such and the defendant in an answer setting forth a counterclaim may join, either as independent or as alternate claims, as many claims, either legal or equitable or both, as he or she may have against an opposing party. There may be a like joinder of claims when there are multiple parties if the requirements of R. 4:28 (joinder of parties), R. 4:29 (joinder of multiple parties), and R. 4:31 (interpleader) are satisfied. There may be a like joinder of crossclaims or third-party claims if the requirements of R. 4:7 (counterclaim and cross-claim) and R. 4:8 (third-party practice) respectively are satisfied.
Rule 4:27-1.Joinder of claims
Last amended September 4, 1990 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:27-1 allows a party to join as many claims as it has against an opposing party — legal or equitable, independent or alternative — subject to the entire controversy doctrine and the party-joinder requirements.
Full Text of Rule 4:27-1
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. 4:31-1. Paragraph designations and paragraph (b) adopted July 16, 1979 to be effective September 10, 1979; caption of paragraph (a) deleted, paragraph (a); amended, and paragraph (b) deleted June 29, 1990 to be effective September 4, 1990.
Plain-English Summary
A party is not limited to one theory or one claim against an opponent. This rule permits a plaintiff (or a defendant asserting a counterclaim) to join as many claims as it has against an opposing party, whether legal or equitable, and whether pleaded as independent or alternative claims.
The freedom is framed by two things. It is subject to the entire controversy doctrine of Rule 4:30A, which can require related claims to be brought together, and where multiple parties are involved the joinder must also satisfy the party-joinder, interpleader, and third-party rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a party bring multiple claims against an opponent?
Yes. A party may join as many claims as it has against an opposing party, legal or equitable, independent or alternative, subject to the entire controversy doctrine and the party-joinder rules.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:27-1). 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: joinder of claimsmultiple claimsjoinder of remedies