Litigation | Meaning and Definition

Litigation is a complete legal process that involves a lot of steps. Some of the key elements of litigation include:

• Beginning of Legal Process: The litigation process usually begins with a complaint filed by one party, referred to as the plaintiff or complainant, against another, called the defendant. The plaintiff’s complaints and the legal foundation for the disagreement are explained in the complaint. It provides an overview of the claimed harm or violation and the requested justice, and it acts as the foundation for the litigation.
• Pleadings: The defendant files a response to the complaint by providing an answer. In addition to addressing the accusations in the complaint, this document could contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims. The matters that will be investigated during the dispute are laid out in the exchange of pleadings.
• Discovery: This is the longest stage as in this both sides gather evidence to back up their claims. To find information pertinent to the case, this may entail depositions, document requests, interrogations, and other techniques. Each side can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the other’s position through discovery.
• Pre-trial proceedings: To address particular legal issues, either party may file a motion before the case’s trial. These motions may be made to dismiss the case, omit certain pieces of evidence, or provide legal clarification. After considering these motions, the judge will render decisions that will affect how the case develops.
• Negotiate Settlement: Parties may hold settlement talks at any point during the legal procedure. A settlement is an agreement between the parties to end the issue without going to trial and can be struck at any point. Settlements are frequently viewed as a quicker and less expensive option to wrap up a court case.
• Trials: If both parties do not agree to any settlement, a trial is held. Both sides submit their case and supporting documentation to the judge or jury during the trial. Based on the evidence given and the relevant legal framework, the judge or jury subsequently renders a decision. Trials are formal processes with stringent evidence and procedural requirements.
• Judgment and Appeals: The judge renders a formal judgment after the trial, summarizing the case’s outcome. Each party may file an appeal with a higher court if they are unhappy with the verdict. Appeals do not reexamine the case’s facts; instead, they concentrate on legal mistakes committed during the trial.