RULE 33. SIGNING OF PLEADINGS
- (a) Signature: Each pleading shall be signed in the manner
provided in Rule 23. Where there is more
than one attorney of record, the signature of only one is required.
Except when otherwise specifically directed by the Court, pleadings
need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit.
- (b) Effect of Signature: The signature of counsel or a party
constitutes a certificate by the signer that the signer has read
the pleading, that, to the best of the signer's knowledge,
information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is well
grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith
argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing
law, and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such
as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in
the cost of litigation. The signature of counsel also constitutes
a representation by counsel that counsel is authorized to represent
the party or parties on whose behalf the pleading is filed. If a
pleading is not signed, it shall be stricken, unless it is signed
promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the
pleader. If a pleading is signed in violation of this Rule, the
Court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the
person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate
sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or
parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of
the filing of the pleading, including reasonable counsel's fees.
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