1. Civil Suits
(Chapter 16, Section 1)

2. I. Opposing Parties
Plaintiff – party bringing up the suit or filing the complaint
Defendant – party being sued
Adversary system – opposing sides in every case means it is dependent upon which side presents the most evidence.

3. II. Types of Civil Suits Disputes over property Breaches of contract
Family matters (divorce, child custody, adoption, etc.)
Negligence – someone is injured or killed due to carelessness of another.

4. III. Steps in a civil case:
“Retaining” a lawyer
File complaint
Summons to defendant
Sets a court date
Defendant’s lawyer responds (answer to the complaint)
Complaint + answer = pleadings

5. III. Steps in a civil case:
Discovery process – gather evidence
Pretrial hearing:
a.) offer settlement
b.) mediation – reach an agreement
c.) arbitration – professional judge- like person who hears both sides and resolves the dispute with a binding decision.

6. III. Steps in a civil case:
Trial – plaintiff must present a “preponderance of evidence”
opening statements
Plaintiff’s evidence
Defendant’s response
Cross examine witnesses
Closing statements
Verdict: either “responsible” or “not responsible”
appeals