What is the purpose of Rule 2?

• A. To substitute discovery deadlines for all cases
• B. To replace multiple forms of action with one form of action and to simplify procedural rules
• C. To commence an action
• D. To set jury sizes

Answer: (B)

Rule 2 establishes that there is one form of action—the civil action. Historically, the old common-law system used multiple forms of action (trespass, case, assumpsit, etc.), which dictated how a case had to be pleaded. The rule replaces all those forms with a single form of action and aims to simplify the procedural rules so the focus shifts to the claims and relief sought rather than the technical form of the action. This simplification supports modern pleading standards and makes the process more uniform and efficient. It’s not about discovery deadlines, which are governed by other rules; nor about how to commence an action, which is Rule 3; nor about setting jury sizes, which are determined by other provisions.