Legal Process Overview and Jury Trial Basics

Set of flashcards summarizing key legal concepts and terminology related to the jury trial process and stages of a lawsuit.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20.

Jury selection

The process of choosing jurors for a trial, consisting of 6 or 12 jurors.

Voir dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for jury duty.

Peremptory challenge

A legal challenge allowing an attorney to strike a juror without providing a reason.

Commerce Clause

A clause that gives Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Pretrial conference

A meeting of attorneys and the judge to discuss the pretrial schedule and settlement options.

Counterclaim

A claim made by a defendant in response to a plaintiff's complaint, asserting independent reasons why they should not be liable.

Settlement

An agreement reached by parties in a lawsuit to resolve the case without trial.

Service of Process

The delivery of legal documents, such as a summons and a complaint, to notify the defendant of a lawsuit.

Pleadings

The formal written statements of the parties in a legal case that outline their claims and defenses.

Motions

Formal requests made to the court asking for a specific ruling or order on an issue of law.

Defendant's response

The answer provided by the defendant in which they admit or deny the allegations made in the complaint.

Electronic discovery

The process of requesting and obtaining electronic documents and data relevant to a legal case.

Claims and causes of action

Legal allegations made in a lawsuit that must be proven by the plaintiff for a successful outcome.

Judgment without trial

A legal motion asking for a decision on a case without proceeding to a full trial.

Affirmative defenses

Independent reasons provided by a defendant explaining why they should not be held liable, such as statute of limitations or fraud.

Filing fees

Fees associated with the official submission of legal documents to a court.

Pretrial order

A document outlining the rules and procedures to be followed during a trial.

Discovery

The pre-trial process of exchanging information between the parties involved in a lawsuit.

Jury instructions

Directions given by the judge to the jury regarding the applicable law that they must follow when deliberating.

Trial

The adjudication process in court where evidence is presented, and a verdict is reached.