The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, often abbreviated Fed. R. Civ. P., are rules that control every civil case filed in every federal courts across the country.  They can be found at the law library or on many websites including:  www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp and www.uscourts.gov

The Local Rules, often abbreviated L.R., are rules that apply to every case filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.  Copies of the Local Rules can be obtained at the Clerk of Court’s office or by clicking here.  The Local Rules are divided into three sections: (1) General Rules that apply to all cases; (2) Civil Rules that apply only in civil cases; and (3) Criminal Rules that apply only in criminal cases.

Like everyone else, pro se litigants MUST comply with these rules.  Failure to comply with these rules may have serious consequences.  Depending on the circumstances, it is possible that you might lose your case if you do not comply with all of the rules.