§ Rule 22 Interpleader

Codes > Federal Rules of Civil Procedure > Title IV > Rule 22

Rule 22. Interpleader

    (a) Grounds.

        (1) By a Plaintiff.Persons with claims that may expose a plaintiff to double or multiple liability may be joined as defendants and required to interplead. Joinder for interpleader is proper even though:

            (A) the claims of the several claimants, or the titles on which their claims depend, lack a common origin or are adverse and independent rather than identical; or

            (B) the plaintiff denies liability in whole or in part to any or all of the claimants.

        (2) By a Defendant.A defendant exposed to similar liability may seek interpleader through a crossclaim or counterclaim.

    (b) Relation to Other Rules and Statutes.This rule supplements--and does not limit--the joinder of parties allowed by Rule 20. The remedy this rule provides is in addition to--and does not supersede or limit--the remedy provided by 28 U.S.C. §§ 1335, 1397, and 2361. An action under those statutes must be conducted under these rules.