What is civil litigation law?

Civil litigation law is the branch of law that involves people, businesses, and other entities resolving legal disputes through the court system. In New Mexico, this includes claims related to personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, and the enforcement of wills and other documents. Civil litigation is a process that starts when an individual or an entity, called the plaintiff, files a complaint in court against another individual or entity, the defendant. The lawsuit describes the injuries suffered by the plaintiff and the damages they believe the defendant has caused. The defendant must then respond to the complaint either admitting or denying the allegations. Once the pleadings are in, the parties will go through a period of discovery, which is when the parties ask one another questions and exchange documents. This helps each side understand what evidence is available, what the other side’s case is, and what their legal options might be. The parties may reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation outside of court, or the case may move to a trial in front of a judge. The judge will decide the case based on the law and the evidence presented by both sides. If the plaintiff wins, the court will decide on an award of damages that the defendant must pay. If the defendant wins, the case will be dismissed and the plaintiff will not be entitled to damages.

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What is civil litigation law?

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