The supreme court of this state shall have the power to regulate the pleading, practice, procedure, and the forms thereof in civil actions in all courts of this state by rules promulgated by it from time to time for the purpose of simplifying judicial proceedings in the courts of Montana and for promoting the speedy determination of litigation upon its merits. Such rules shall not abridge, enlarge, or modify the substantive rights of any litigant and shall not be inconsistent with the constitution of the state of Montana.
§ 3-2-701, MCA