In the United States, the model for most state courts is the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, first adopted on September 16, 1938 before which time there were varying rules that governed different types of civil cases such as cases at law or in equity or in admiralty. There are exceptions to the types of cases that these rules now control but they are few in number and somewhat esoteric (e.g., "prize proceedings in admiralty").
See also: Affirmative defense, Answer, Cause of action, Summons, Jurisdiction, Laches, Motion, Strategic lawsuits agains public participation, Statute of limitations, Time constraints, Trial de novo, Vexatious litigation, With prejudice