Rule 17.03 - Public officers; death or separation from office (a) When a public officer is a party to an appeal or other proceeding in the appellate court in an official capacity and during its pendency dies, resigns or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action does not abate and the successor is automatically substituted as a party. Proceedings following the substitution shall be in the name of the substituted party, but any misnomer not affecting the substantial rights of the parties shall be disregarded. An order of substitution may be entered at any time, but the omission to enter such an order shall not affect the substitution. (b) When a public officer is a party to an appeal or other proceeding in an official capacity the public officer may be described as a party by the official title rather than by name; but the court may require the name to be added. Amended April, 6, 2015, effective July 1, 2015.