Matter (law)
A matter is a legal case, proceeding, dispute, or other issue handled by a court or legal professional.
Case law: Law developed through judicial decisions and precedents. A court matter may produce a decision that becomes precedent.
Civil litigation: The process of resolving noncriminal disputes through the courts. A lawsuit is a common form of civil legal matter.
Pleadings: Formal documents stating parties’ claims, defenses, and requested relief. Pleadings define the issues that a civil matter presents.
Cause of action: A set of facts and legal grounds that entitles a claimant to seek a remedy. One matter can include several distinct causes of action.
Civil procedure: Rules governing how civil lawsuits are commenced, conducted, and resolved. It structures the handling of civil matters in court.
Criminal case: A proceeding in which the state prosecutes a person accused of a crime. Criminal charges create matters handled under criminal law.
Discovery (law): The pretrial process for obtaining relevant information and evidence from other parties. Discovery develops the evidence in many contested matters.
Legal issue: A question of law requiring resolution in a legal dispute or proceeding. A legal issue is a narrower question within a broader matter.
Criminal procedure: Rules governing the investigation, prosecution, adjudication, and punishment of crimes. It governs criminal matters from investigation through judgment.
Family law: The area of law addressing family relationships, including marriage, divorce, and child custody. Family disputes often become court matters requiring tailored orders.