1. Anatomy of a Lawsuit
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2. Accident
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3. Client conference
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4. Settlement fails
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5. Filing suit at the courthouse
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6. Discovery (deposition)
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7. Pre-trial
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8. Bench trial
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9. Jury Trial
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10. Litigation Process 1st – Information Gathering & Investigation Stage
Interview Client
Gather Facts
Research the Law
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11. Deadlines for filing each pleading
2nd – Pleadings Stage
Formal documents filed by the parties to initiate or respond to the litigation.
Types:
Complaint & Summons
Answer
Counterclaim
Reply
Deadlines for filing each pleading
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12. 3rd – Discovery & Motions Stage
Discovery – pretrial procedure by which the parties exchange information.
Motions – oral or written request for the court to make a decision (ruling).
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13. 4th – Trial Stage 1st Jury Selection 2nd Opening Statement
3rd Plaintiff Presents Case
4th Defendant Presents Case
5th Closing Argument
6th Jury Instructions/Charges
7th Jury Deliberation
8th Jury Verdict
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14. Appellee – responds to the appeal.
5th – Appeal
Appellant – files the appeal. (Appellant/Plaintiff or Appellant/Defendant)
Appellee – responds to the appeal.
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15. Court of Appeals/ US Supreme Court
*Can only appeal issues of law.
*May not appeal issues of fact.
*Court must review all issues of law.
*Supreme Court is not required to hear all cases
* Writ of Certiori must be granted for US Supreme Court
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