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Supreme Court Rules
Section/Rule:
53.01
Subject:
Rule 53 - Rules of Civil Procedure - Rules Governing Civil Procedure in the Circuit Courts - Commencement of Civil Action
Publication / Adopted Date:
April 21, 1972
Topic:
Commencement of Civil Action
Revised / Effective Date:
December 1, 1972
53.01. Commencement of Civil Action
A civil action is commenced by filing a petition with the court.
(Adopted April 21, 1972, eff. Dec. 1, 1972.)
Committee Note - 1974
This is the same as Rule 3 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with the term "complaint" changed to "petition."
Former Rule 53.01, repealed in 1972, provided as follows:
"Civil actions may be instituted, except when a statute or these rules otherwise provide, either (1) by filing in the office of the clerk of the proper court a petition setting forth the plaintiff's cause or causes of action, and the remedy sought, and by the voluntary appearance of the adverse party thereto; or (2) by filing such petition in such office, and suing out thereon a writ of summons against the person or of attachment against the property of the defendant. The filing of a petition and suing out of process therein shall be deemed the commencement of a civil action."