1. What is involved in a civil lawsuit?

2. Stages of a lawsuit
Pleadings
Discovery
Pretrial
Trial
Appeal

3. Pleadings Complaint Answer States parties States factual allegations
States legal causes of action
Served on Defendant
Answer
30 days to reply
Admits or denies

4. Discovery Interrogatories and Requests for Documents Depositions
To each party
Responses due in 30 days
Depositions
Taken under oath
Recorded in booklet form

5. Pretrial Order Parties prepare document Court Conference
Lists causes of action and defenses
Lists witnesses
Lists exhibits
Presents legal issues
Court Conference
Hearing before the Court
Court enters Pretrial Order

6. Trial Voir Dire Opening Statement Direct Examination Cross Examination
Closing Argument
Jury Instructions
Jury Deliberation

7. Appeal
Motions for New Trial
Court of Appeals
Opinion