1. 16.1 Activity, Video links, and Information
Civil Law
16.1 Activity, Video links, and Information

2. Types of Civil Cases

3. K-N-L Activity, Top p. 51
What do you Know about McDonald’s Coffee Case?
What do you Need to know to fairly judge the case? McDonalds Hot Coffee
What did you Learn about civil cases?
Define the term negligence. Was McDonald’s negligent in this case? Explain.
Does it matter that she was partly to blame? How did the judge compensate for this?
What type of civil case was this?

4. Steps in a Civil Case 8. Appeal.
1. Plaintiff hires a lawyer who files complaint. Cases involve disputes.
2. Judge issues a summons to defendant, the person or party being sued.
3. Defendant can issue an answer or response to summons.
4. Summons and answer together are called the pleadings.
5. Lawyers check facts of case and question witnesses. This is the discovery phase. No surprises are allowed!
6. Pre-trial motions & discussions. Judge may order mediation for dispute. 90% of cases never go to trial.
7. Trial. Civil case has different burden of proof than criminal case. Settlement is based on a “preponderance of evidence.”
8. Appeal.
If the judge makes a mistake or injustice happens.

5. Why do so few civil cases go to court?
What is the major difference between mediation and arbitration?
If your case goes to trial, would you want a judge or jury to hear your case? Why?
When can a case be appealed?

6. Civil Law Review For each scenario:
Identify the plaintiff(s)
Identify the defendant(s)
Decide which side you agree with
What type of civil case are all of these?

7. Assignment
Read 15.2 and you may want to use the Internet to complete the organizer and answer the questions for p. 52.
Due tomorrow!