1. Civil Cases

2. Lawsuits
A person or group brings legal action to collect damages for some harm that has been done
Less than $1,000 are handled in small-claims court
Larger claims can include a jury and lawyers
There are several kinds of lawsuits
Property disputes
Breach of Contract
Family Issues- Divorce

3. Lawsuits contd. Personal Injury
There are many lawyers that work in this type of lawsuit
Negligence suits involve injury or property destruction because of carelessness
Most auto accidence are negligence cases

4. Suits of Equity
Seek fair treatment in a situation where there is no law to settle the matter
A group of people can try to prevent damages from taking place
i.e. building a highway through a park
Judges usually decide
An injunction is used to stop an action from taking place

5. Court Procedure in Civil Cases
A person files a lawsuit to receive compensation
Person filing is the plaintiff
Person or group filing against is the defendant
The plaintiff hires an attorney who prepares a complaint
Formal document that declares the lawsuit
Names the plaintiff, defendant and problem that occurred

6. Procedures contd. A summons is issued by the court
Announces that the defendant is being sued
Sets a date for the trial
Defendant’s attorney receives a copy of the complaint after which they can accept or deny the claim
Attorneys from both sides exchange pleadings
Narrow down the issues and legal points
At this point the plaintiff can drop parts of the suit

7. Procedures contd. The suit then goes to trial
Both sides present their arguments
Both sides then await a verdict by the judge or jury