What are the steps in a civil trial?

A civil trial is the judicial process used to settle disputes or claims between two or more parties. In Massachusetts it involves a plaintiff bringing a claim against a defendant in a court of law. Every civil trial follows a similar set of steps. 1. The Complaint: The plaintiff must file a complaint in court. The complaint details the facts and legal arguments forming the basis of the claim. 2. The Answer: The defendant must then file an answer to the complaint. The answer mostly claims a defense to the plaintiff’s claims. 3. Discovery: This is the process in which legal teams of both parties investigate each other’s evidence. This helps the parties to get a better understanding of the case. 4. Pre-trial Motions: This is the process of making legal arguments about the admissibility of evidence. This step is necessary to limit the case to topics within the purview of the court. 5. Jury Selection: A jury is selected from among the members of the public. The jury will decide the case. 6. Opening Statements: Each side will present an opening statement to the jury. This outlines the parties’ respective cases. 7. Presentation of Evidence: People involved in the case present evidence to the court. This is followed by cross-examination of the witnesses in order to challenge or further clarify the evidence. 8. Closing Arguments: Each side will present their closing arguments before the jury. 9. Jury Deliberations: The jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict. 10. Judgment: The judgment is the final ruling. The court will then order the appropriate remedy or damages.

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What are the steps in a civil trial?

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