Civil Court Procedure
- Kirsten McLeod
Step One
The first step in the court case procedure is hiring a lawyer which files a complaint, which is a formal statement naming the plaintiff and the defendant, it describes a lawsuit
Step Two
The next step, is that the court sends a summons, which is a document telling the defendant of the suit against her, and orders her to appear in court on a certain day.
Step Three
The defendant may respond to charges, by having my own attorney answer to the complaint, the pleading is then made, which is the complaint and answer together.
Pre Trial Discussion
The Judge has two parties in a meeting to help clarify differences and prepare for the trial
Step Four - THE TRIAL
If the parties do not settle the case goes to trial. Both sides, (the jury and judge, and plaintiff) summarize their cases, the more preponderance of evidence, the more believable the case
Step Five - THE VERDICT
The verdict is the closing decision which decides whether the person is innocent or guilty if a decision can not be made an arbitrator is called in for mediation. If they person doesn't like the decision, they also have the right to appeal it.