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

2. 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.

3. 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)

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

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

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

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

8. 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

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

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

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

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