Going through the Process of Litigation and Trial

Cases that are taken to court reasonably have to undergo the proper process. This legal process is known as litigation or lawsuit, wherein the settlement is taken to court to be heard and decided on by a judge or jury. Both criminal and civil lawsuits may have to undergo the litigation process, which can be classified into three steps.
• Pre-trial: Before the trial itself, the plaintiff may want to resolve the conflict outside the court to avoid litigation. If out-of-court settlement is proven impossible, he may now file a complaint before the court and send a copy of it to the defendant, otherwise known as a summon. The defendant has to respond and may choose to settle the case. Arbitration is often ordered to make a compromise, in which a third party helps in settling the case.
• Representation: Choosing a lawyer may be done before filing the complaint, but most complainant get representation when out-of-court settlements fail. Lawyers for both sides review the case’s merit, research legal precedents similar to the case, interview witnesses, and gather facts. Discovery will then take place between both parties’ representatives, where they share information formally through written requests. The process of deposition also allows them to interview the other party's witnesses. Motions are then filed to clarify procedures and resolve disputes before trial. Some evidences are asked to be held back, or a summary judgment is requested for the court to dismiss the case before it continues.
• Trial: Both sides present their evidence during the trial. The plaintiff goes first, along with their witnesses, and then they are cross-examined by the opposing side. The trial undergoes five steps:
o Jury Selection
o Opening Statements
o Presentation of Evidence
o Closing Arguments
o Jury Deliberations
Once the decision has been reached, the losing party may ask the judge to change it. They may appeal the decision and request another court to review the case. Appeals usually prolong the litigation process.
It’s reasonable for people who have no law background or have not experienced going to court before to not know the process of litigation and trial. However, it is highly probable for them to undergo such, even just once in their lifetime. For people who find themselves in the middle of a lawsuit, search for Los Angeles skilled litigators and trial attorneys that will help represent your side in front of the judge or jury.