The Ethical Law Firm
By Lance Metcalf
Terms to Know
· Plaintiff
· Complaint
· Defendant
· Summons
· Trial
· Pretrial
· Arbitrator
· Preponderance of Evidence
· Pleading
· Mediation
· Verdict
· Appeal
What is a Civil Case
A civil case is a dispute between two or more parties. In order for a civil case to start the plaintiff must file a complaint to the court, the plaintiff then serves a copy to the defendant. The complaint is what describes the plaintiff’s injuries; it also explains how the defendant was the cause of the injuries. The court then issues the defendant with a summons that tells them that they are being sued.
The court will arrange for a trial, the case can be heard without a jury if both sides waive their right to one. If both sides choose not to have a jury then the case will be heard by a judge who will determine the outcome.
Before the real trial is held sometimes the judge will order a pretrial conference to help the quality of the case. Sometimes an arbitrator is used to end a dispute. In order for the plaintiff to win the civil case they must provide preponderance of evidence. The defendant must present a pleading that exposes the facts in the case. In some cases a dispute is settled thru mediation where someone helps the defendant and the plaintiff come to a settlement. After the case has went through a trial the jury will come to a verdict in favor of the defendant or the plaintiff. In order to submit an appeal you must file a notice of appeal.