What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

Civil litigation in South Carolina is a process that begins with the filing of a legal complaint and ends with the resolution of the dispute. In between, there are several steps taken in pursuit of a favorable outcome. The first step in a civil litigation process is the filing of a complaint. This document outlines the allegations made against the defendant and serves as the primary source of information for the court. A defendant then has the opportunity to respond with an answer. This response typically includes a denial of the allegations and may include counterclaims. Once the complaint and answer have been filed, the court holds a pretrial conference. During this process, the attorneys discuss the issues in the case and the evidence that each party will present in court. After the pretrial conference, the parties may proceed to the discovery phase. During discovery, each side has the opportunity to obtain information about the case and the other parties involved. This may include depositions, document requests, and interrogatories. The conclusion of the discovery phase is typically followed by a motion practice. During this stage, one or both parties may file motions with the court, asking the court to make a ruling on certain aspects of the case. If the parties cannot reach an agreement before the case reaches the trial stage, the dispute is then resolved by a jury or a judge. During trial, the parties present their evidence and make their arguments. After the trial, the court issues a ruling that resolves the dispute. The civil litigation process can take months or even years to complete. Each step in the process presents its own opportunities and challenges. Although lengthy, this process provides the parties with the opportunity to resolve their disputes in a fair and just manner.

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What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

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