RULE 1.2
        INTERPRETATION AND WAIVER OF RULES BY COURT

    (a) Interpretation. These rules will be liberally interpreted to
promote justice and facilitate the decision of cases on the merits. Cases
and issues will not be determined on the basis of compliance or
noncompliance with these rules except in compelling circumstances where
justice demands, subject to the restrictions in rule 18.8(b).
    (b) Words of Command. Unless the context of the rule indicates
otherwise: "Should" is used when referring to an act a party or counsel for
a party is under an obligation to perform. The court will ordinarily impose
sanctions if the act is not done within the time or in the manner
specified. The word "must" is used in place of "should" if extending the
time within which the act must be done is subject to the severe test under
rule 18.8(b) or to emphasize failure to perform the act in a timely way may
result in more severe than usual sanctions. The word "will" or "may" is
used when referring to an act of the appellate court. The word "shall" is
used when referring to an act that is to be done by an entity other than
the appellate court, a party, or counsel for a party.
    (c) Waiver. The appellate court may waive or alter the provisions of
any of these rules in order to serve the ends of justice, subject to the
restrictions in rule 18.8(b) and (c).

                         References
    Rule 18.8, Waiver of Rules and Extension and Reduction of Time, (b)
Restriction on extension of time, (c) Restriction on changing decision;
Rule 18.9, Violation of Rules.