The legal system provides a formal setting to resolve non-criminal disputes. Whether the dispute involves a contract, real estate or personal property, employment, civil rights, fraud, negligence, intellectual property or other issues, civil litigations offer a way to address the matter without criminal sanctions. The process of civil litigation is governed by complex local, state and federal rules and regulations.
A civil case begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court and formally delivers a copy to the defendant. The complaint describes what the defendant did (or failed to do) that caused harm and the legal basis for holding the defendant responsible. Learn more morenoandassociates.com/
During the discovery phase, the civil litigation attorney gathers information related to the case from the opposing party. This may include witness testimony or interviews, laws that apply to the case, documents and other evidence. The opposing party also has the opportunity to ask the plaintiff questions called interrogatories.
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After the discovery phase, the plaintiff and defendant present their evidence in a trial. The jury hears the evidence, and after both parties give their closing arguments, the jury decides the case.
If either party is dissatisfied with the judge or jury’s decision, they can appeal the case to a higher appeals court. The court of appeals will look at the case again and make a new decision or order. If the party is dissatisfied with the court of appeals’ decision, they can file a petition for certiorari, asking that the supreme court hear the case.