General litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system, typically involving civil matters between individuals, businesses, or other entities. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues and proceedings that are handled through litigation, which may include negotiation, pre-trial procedures, courtroom hearings, and appeals.
Key aspects of general litigation include:
- Case Evaluation and Assessment: General litigation begins with an evaluation of the legal issues involved in the dispute and an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Litigators analyze relevant facts, evidence, applicable laws, and potential legal strategies to determine the likelihood of success and potential outcomes.
- Pleadings and Pre-Trial Procedures: Litigation formally commences with the filing of pleadings, which may include a complaint by the plaintiff and an answer by the defendant. Pre-trial procedures, such as discovery (the exchange of information and evidence), motions, and settlement negotiations, may take place before the case proceeds to trial.
- Trial Preparation: Litigators prepare for trial by conducting legal research, drafting legal briefs and motions, preparing witnesses, and compiling evidence to support their case. They may also engage in pre-trial conferences, mediation, or arbitration to attempt to resolve the dispute without a trial.
- Courtroom Proceedings: Litigation involves presenting arguments and evidence in court during hearings, motions, and trial proceedings. Litigators advocate for their clients’ interests, examine witnesses, present exhibits, and make legal arguments to the judge or jury.
- Jury Trials and Bench Trials: Depending on the nature of the case and the preferences of the parties, litigation may involve a trial by jury or a trial before a judge (bench trial). In jury trials, a panel of jurors hears evidence, deliberates, and renders a verdict. In bench trials, the judge serves as the trier of fact and renders a decision.
- Appeals: If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of the trial, they may have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court. Appellate litigation involves reviewing the trial court’s decision for legal errors or issues and presenting arguments to the appellate court for a reversal or modification of the decision.
- Enforcement of Judgments: Once a judgment is entered in favor of one party, the prevailing party may take steps to enforce the judgment, such as obtaining a writ of execution to seize assets, garnishing wages, or placing liens on property owned by the judgment debtor.
General litigation encompasses a broad spectrum of legal disputes, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, employment disputes, real estate litigation, business disputes, intellectual property disputes, and more. Litigators, also known as trial attorneys or attorneys-at-law, specialize in representing clients in litigation matters and advocating for their interests in court.