Lawsuit

A civil legal action in which one party asks a court to resolve a dispute or grant a remedy. It proceeds through rules for pleadings, evidence, and court decisions.

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Civil procedure: The rules governing how civil cases are filed, litigated, and decided. Its rules structure each stage of a lawsuit, from filing through judgment.
Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit by asserting a claim against another party. The plaintiff asks the court for relief and bears the burden of proving the claim.
Arbitration: A private dispute-resolution process in which an arbitrator issues a decision, often binding on the parties. Unlike a lawsuit, arbitration usually takes place outside the court system.
Class action: A lawsuit in which representative parties litigate claims on behalf of a court-approved group. It lets many people with similar claims pursue relief in one proceeding.
Precedent: A prior judicial decision that guides or binds courts deciding later cases. A lawsuit’s ruling can shape how courts resolve similar disputes in the future.
Complaint (legal): A formal pleading that states a plaintiff’s claims and requested relief. It usually begins a lawsuit by telling the court and defendant what is alleged.
Defendant: The party against whom a legal action is brought. The defendant answers the claims and may contest liability or raise defenses.
Mediation: A process in which a neutral mediator helps disputing parties negotiate a voluntary resolution. Mediation seeks agreement rather than a court-imposed judgment.
Personal injury lawsuit: A civil lawsuit seeking compensation for harm caused by another party’s alleged wrongdoing. It illustrates how a plaintiff can seek damages for bodily or emotional injury.
Injunction: A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing something. It can prevent ongoing harm or compel conduct while resolving a lawsuit.