Business Law 301 - Civil Lawsuit Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to civil lawsuits in Business Law.

Complaint

A legal document that initiates a lawsuit by outlining the plaintiff's claims against the defendant.

Summons

A formal notice to a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them and they are required to respond.

Litigation Hold

A directive issued to preserve evidence relevant to a lawsuit, ensuring that potentially relevant documents and data are not destroyed.

Discovery

The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit during which each party investigates the other's legal claims and defenses to obtain evidence.

Motion for Summary Judgment

A request for the court to enter judgment in favor of one party based on the evidence presented, claiming no genuine dispute exists about material facts.

Voir Dire

The jury selection process where potential jurors are examined for biases and qualifications.

Plaintiff

The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party.

Defendant

The party being accused or sued in a court of law.

Answer

A formal written response by a defendant to the allegations in a plaintiff's complaint.

Pleadings

The documents filed in a court case that outline the parties' claims and defenses, including the complaint and answer.