Understanding Civil Cases

What is the first step a plaintiff must take to begin a civil lawsuit in federal court?

• File a motion

• File a complaint

• Conduct discovery

• Reach a settlement

What does the complaint filed by the plaintiff describe?

• The defendant's defense

• The plaintiff's damages or injury

• The judge's decision

• The jury's verdict

What is the purpose of the discovery process in a civil case?

• To reach a settlement

• To prepare for trial by gathering evidence

• To file a complaint

• To determine the amount of damages

What is an alternative to going to trial that the courts encourage?

• Filing a complaint

• Conducting discovery

• Mediation and arbitration

• Jury selection

What is a "bench" trial?

• A trial with a jury

• A trial without a judge

• A trial decided by a judge without a jury

• A trial that takes place outdoors

What must the plaintiff prove in a civil case?

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

• By a preponderance of the evidence

• With absolute certainty

• By clear and convincing evidence

What is a "settlement" in the context of a civil lawsuit?

• A decision made by the jury

• An agreement resolving the dispute without a trial

• A motion filed by the defendant

• A type of discovery process

What can a plaintiff seek as relief in a civil lawsuit?

• Criminal charges against the defendant

• Money to compensate for damages

• A new trial

• A public apology

What role does the jury play in a civil trial?

• To file motions

• To determine the amount of damages

• To conduct discovery

• To serve the complaint

What is the purpose of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

• To delay the trial

• To produce an early resolution of a dispute

• To increase the cost of litigation

• To eliminate the need for a judge