BUSA 10 (copy)

Litigation Process

The series of stages involved in resolving a legal dispute through the court system, from jury selection to final judgment and potential appeals.

Jury Selection

The process of choosing jurors for a trial, focusing more on eliminating unsuitable candidates than on selecting ideal ones.

Opening Statements

Previews of the expected evidence presented by lawyers at the beginning of a trial, meant to outline the case without arguing since no evidence has been presented yet.

Witness Testimony

Accounts given by sworn witnesses during a trial to provide evidence.

Exhibits

Physical documents or objects presented during a trial as evidence.

Direct Examination

The questioning of a witness by the party that called them to testify.

Cross Examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party, limited to topics covered during direct examination.

Plaintiff's Case in Chief

The phase of trial where the plaintiff's attorney calls witnesses to support their claims.

Motion for Directed Verdict

A request by the defendant for the judge to rule that the plaintiff has not proved their case adequately.

Defense Case in Chief

The phase of trial where the defense presents its own witnesses and evidence.

Rebuttal

The plaintiff's opportunity to challenge the defense's evidence presented during the trial.

Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV)

A motion filed after a jury verdict, requesting the judge to overturn the verdict if no reasonable jury could have reached that decision.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Methods used to resolve disputes outside of litigation, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Hearsay

A statement made outside of court offered for the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless it meets certain exceptions.

Closing Arguments

Summaries presented by lawyers at the end of a trial, aimed to persuade the jury based on the evidence and jury instructions.

Verdict

The jury's decision regarding the facts of the case.

Public vs. Private Litigation

Litigation is open to the public, while ADR processes are usually private, affecting transparency and accountability.