The Civil Trial

A civil case involves disputes between individuals or organizations.

  1. Filing the Complaint: Plaintiff files a legal document explaining harm.

  2. Service of Process: Defendant is officially notified.

  3. Answer: Defendant responds to the allegations.

  4. Discovery Phase: Both sides exchanged evidence;e some examples can be Depositions (sworn interviews), Interrogatories (written questions), and Requests for documents.

  5. Pretrial Motions: Summary judgment (decision without trial) or a dismissal.

Civil Trial (Chronological Order)

  1. Jury Selection

  2. Opening Statements (plaintiffs go first)

  3. Plaintiff’s Case

  4. Defendant’s Case

  5. Rebuttal

  6. Closing Arguments

  7. Jury Instructions

  8. Jury Deliberation

  9. Verdict (Liable or Not Liable)

  10. Damages Awarded (If Liable)

Standard of Proof: Preponderance of the Evidence