What does Rule 41 govern?

Rule 41 governs the service of summons and pleadings, specifically outlining the procedures and requirements necessary for properly serving legal documents to parties involved in a case. This rule is crucial for ensuring that all parties receive adequate notice of legal actions against them, which is fundamental to the due process of law. Proper service allows the court to obtain jurisdiction over the parties, enabling the legal proceedings to move forward.

While options related to time limits for paternity actions and rules for international service may be relevant in their respective contexts, they fall under different rules or statutes and are not encompassed within Rule 41. Therefore, the focus of Rule 41 is specifically on the service process, making it the correct answer in this scenario. Understanding the nuances of this rule can help process servers perform their duties effectively and ensure that all procedural requirements are met.