Survey of the New Federal Rules: The New Practice in the Federal Courts in Civil Cases Cognizable at Law or in Equity

A new era in federal practice, in suits of a civil nature whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity, has been ushered in by the act of Congress of June 19, 19341. Acting under the authority of this statute the Supreme Court of the United States, with the aid of a distinguished advisory committee, undertook the preparation of a unified system of general rules for cases in equity and actions at law in the District Courts of the United States and in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, so as to secure one form of civil action and procedure for both classes of cases, while maintaining inviolate the right of trial by jury in accordance with the Seventh Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and without altering substantive rights