Resolving Civil Disputes

Crimes vs. Torts

Crimes can also lead to civil lawsuits for compensation.

Higher Courts

Involve more complex cases and recommend legal representation.

Mediation

Third-party assistance in resolving disputes without decision power.

Arbitration

Third-party decision-making in dispute resolution.

Garnishment

A court order that directs the employer of the defendant to deduct wages in order to pay for damages

Civil Actions

Legal disputes categorized into tort, family, contract, labor, and property law.

Filing a Claim

Initiated by filing a statement of claim with specific details.

Defendant's Options

Choices upon receiving a civil action, including settling or going to trial.

General Damages

Compensation not easily calculated, including pecuniary and non-pecuniary.

Special Damages

Awarded for specific pre-trial expenses like hospital costs.

Punitive Damages

Intended to punish defendant for malicious behavior.

Nominal Damages

Awarded as a moral victory when little harm is suffered.

Injunction

Court order to refrain from specific actions for a period.

Enforcing Judgments

Plaintiff's responsibility to collect damages from defendant.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Civil dispute resolution without a formal trial.

Examination of the debtor

The defendant fails to comply in paying for damages. Examination of the debtor may occur to settle the claim

Seizing Assets

If ones income is not enough to pay for damages, assets such as their homes are sold in public auctions. (Defendants are notified by the court beforehand).

Civil Law

Regulates disputes between individuals.

Criminal Law

Punishes offenders while protecting society.

Plaintiff

Initiates a lawsuit.

Defendant

Responds to a lawsuit.

Tort Law

Deals with harm to body, reputation, or property.

Family Law

Involves marriage, divorce, child custody, and support.

Contract Law

Enforces agreements like non-payment for services.

Labour Law

Handles workplace disputes like wrongful dismissal.

Property Law

Resolves ownership or maintenance disputes.

Civil Courts

Hear complex cases involving monetary claims.

Small Claims Court

Resolves disputes under a specified monetary limit.

Balance of Probabilities

Verdicts based on 'more probable than not' in civil cases.

Limitation Period

Timeframe within which a civil action must be filed.

Counterclaim

Defendant files a lawsuit against the plaintiff.

Third-Party Claim

Defendant claims another party is responsible for the dispute.

Examination for Discovery

Pre-trial process to learn each side's evidence for court.

Disclosure

Mutual showing of relevant evidence before trial.

Civil Trials

Decided by judge or jury; civil juries have six members.

Class Action Lawsuit

Legal action for multiple plaintiffs with a common grievance.

Remedies

Compensation in private law, often in the form of damages.

Aggravated Damages

Awarded for mental distress or humiliation.

Contingency Fees

Lawyer-client payment arrangement based on trial outcome.

Negotiation

Direct dispute resolution by involved parties.