Civil Law Information
For Beginners!
Basic Court Information!
Examples: Lady suing McDonalds over hot coffee, Father suing mother over the right to see child, etc.
Plaintiff- A person bringing the case agains't another in a court of law.
Examples: The lady used sued McDonalds.
Defendant- A individual or corporation being sued or accused in court.
Examples: McDonalds in the case.
Lawsuit- The act of suing between two parties.
Examples: Between an individual and corporation, between a owner and renter, between a mother and father over custody, etc.
Tort- A civil wrong, that results in a legal liability.
Examples: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, etc.
Libel- Defamation of character in the form of print.
Examples: A defamatory piece being published about a doctor by a nurse, etc.
Legal Documents!
Summons- A legal document that commands the defendant to appear in court.
Example: Written notice for McDonalds to appear in court.
Complaint- The first document filled out in civil court case that states why the plaintiff is suing the defendant.
Example: Statement filed in a court detailing the reasons the lady wanted to sue McDonalds.
Pleadings- When claims and defenses are submitted from both sides.
Examples: Evidence from both the lady and McDonalds cases.
Complications!
Negligence- The failure of taking proper care in doing something.
Example: A parent leaving a baby in a car, a nurse who forgets to take care of a patient, etc.
Appeal- When the defendant or plaintiff does not agree with the verdict and requests it to be reviewed by a higher court.
Example: McDonalds disagreeing with verdict and having case appealed to the court of appeals.
Resolutions!
Example: Mediator helped home owner and builder to reach a mutual agreement on the house.
Arbitration- When the third party helps to settle a case.
Example: An attorney (the arbitrator) talking to both the home owner and builders to reach a mutual settlement.
Verdict- The conclusion of facts by a jury or judge.
Example: Decision of the court McDonalds was a fault.