Changes to Federal Court Rules Take Effect

Amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence took effect December 1, 2011.

Congress took no action after the changes were approved by Supreme Court more than seven months earlier. That means new amendments to these rules are now in effect:

• Appellate Rules 4 and 40

• Bankruptcy Rules 2003, 2019, 3001, 4004, and 6003.

• Criminal Rules 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 32, 40, 41, 43, and 49.

• Evidence Rules 101-1103.

In addition, new Bankruptcy Rules 1004.2 and 3002.1 are in effect, as well as new Criminal Rule 4.1.

The text of the amended rules and extensive supporting documents is available.