Little Miss Muffet v. Mr. Spider Steps of a Civil Trial Little Miss Muffet v. Mr. Spider

Facts about the case: Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet Eating her curds and whey Along came a Spider, Who sat down beside her And scared Little Miss Muffet away.

STEP I: Bring in your suit Miss Muffet hires a lawyer to file a complaint against Mr. Spider for pain in suffering. Loss: Suing for dry cleaning bill (curds and whey stained dress) 2. Pain and Suffering: The fright caused Miss Muffet to go hungry (spilled her food)

Her Lawyer Files a Complaint This is a formal notice that a lawsuit is being issued Miss Muffett is now the plaintiff

Step 2: Defendant Receives a Summons Informs Mr. Spider that he is being sued A court date is set

STEP 3: Defense Gets a Copy of the Complaint Lawyer writes an answer where Mr. Spider admit or deny claims Admit Deny

Option I: Mr. Spider Admits It Was His Fault Settle lawsuit out of court The end

Option 2: Mr. Spider denies it (pain and suffering and stain on dress) was his fault Step IV: Goes to court Both sides exchange pleadings

Pleadings Written documents that narrow down the legal issues being argued about in the case

Go to Court After each side presents their side of the case, jury or judge reaches verdict For the plaintiff For defendant

Miss Muffet wins lawsuit Collects damages Mr. Spider may appeal, but only if there is an injustice in the trial Take it.

Thank goodness that’s over! Mr. Spider Wins Miss Muffet collects no damages The end Thank goodness that’s over!