The forms contained in the Appendix of Forms are sufficient under this chapter and are intended to indicate the simplicity and brevity of statement which this chapter contemplates.
Rule 84.Forms.
Part XI: General Provisions · Last amended 1966 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 15-6-84 says the sample forms in the Appendix of Forms satisfy the chapter’s requirements and are meant to show the plain, brief style of pleading these rules expect.
Full Text of Rule 15-6-84
Plain-English Summary
Rule 15-6-84 is a short endorsement of the appendix that accompanies the civil procedure chapter. The forms contained in the Appendix of Forms are sufficient under this chapter, meaning a pleading that matches one of them satisfies what the chapter requires.
The rule also explains why those forms exist: they are intended to indicate the simplicity and brevity of statement this chapter contemplates. A litigant can look to the appendix as a benchmark for how much, or how little, detail a proper pleading needs under these rules.
The appendix is not just illustrative. Rule 15-6-72 points litigants to specific numbered forms within it: an eligible plaintiff electing the expedited civil action process certifies eligibility on a form the Supreme Court has approved, referred to there as Form 27, and parties stipulating into the expedited process use a joint motion referred to as Form 28. That direct cross-reference shows the appendix functions as an active part of practicing under this chapter, not a purely illustrative attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the forms in South Dakota’s Appendix of Forms mandatory, or just examples?
Rule 15-6-84 says the forms are sufficient under the chapter and are intended to show the simplicity and brevity of statement the chapter contemplates, so matching their level of detail satisfies the chapter’s pleading expectations.
Why does South Dakota include sample forms in its civil procedure rules?
Rule 15-6-84 states they are meant to indicate the simplicity and brevity of statement this chapter contemplates.
Are any forms referenced elsewhere in the rules required to be used?
Yes. Rule 15-6-72 requires the expedited civil action eligibility certification to be on a Supreme Court-approved form referred to as Form 27, and a joint motion to proceed as an expedited civil action uses another form referred to as Form 28.
Does using a form from the appendix guarantee my pleading is adequate?
Rule 15-6-84 states the forms are sufficient under the chapter, which supports treating them as an adequate model for the level of detail the chapter expects.
What is the Appendix of Forms that Rule 15-6-84 addresses?
It is the appendix of sample pleadings and forms, including forms referenced by number in other rules such as Rule 15-6-72, meant to illustrate acceptable pleading style under the chapter.
Amendment History
—SD RCP, Rule 84, as adopted by Sup. Ct. Order March 29, 1966, effective July 1, 1966.
Source & verification. Rule text and History are
reproduced verbatim from the South Dakota Codified Laws, published by the
South Dakota Legislative Research Council. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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