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Learn about the different stages involved in a civil lawsuit, including pleadings, discovery, pretrial, trial, and appeal. Explore the key steps such as filing a complaint, serving the defendant, conducting discovery, preparing for trial, and the possibility of appeal.
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Stages of a lawsuit • Pleadings • Discovery • Pretrial • Trial • Appeal
Pleadings • Complaint • States parties • States factual allegations • States legal causes of action • Served on Defendant • Answer • 30 days to reply • Admits or denies
Discovery • Interrogatories and Requests for Documents • To each party • Responses due in 30 days • Depositions • Taken under oath • Recorded in booklet form
Pretrial Order • Parties prepare document • Lists causes of action and defenses • Lists witnesses • Lists exhibits • Presents legal issues • Court Conference • Hearing before the Court • Court enters Pretrial Order
Trial • Voir Dire • Opening Statement • Direct Examination • Cross Examination • Closing Argument • Jury Instructions • Jury Deliberation
Appeal • Motions for New Trial • Court of Appeals • Opinion