What is the trial stage of civil procedure?

The trial stage of civil procedure is the final step in a civil lawsuit. It is the time when evidence and arguments are presented to a court of law and a judge or jury makes a decision on the case. In Massachusetts, civil jury trials are held in the Superior court. A civil jury trial begins with jury selection. During jury selection, both sides have the opportunity to ask questions of prospective jurors and decide if they should be excused from the jury. After jury selection, the trial begins with opening statements from both sides. The plaintiff presents their evidence and testimony first, followed by the defendant’s evidence and testimony. At the end of the trial, both sides will make closing arguments. After closing arguments, the jury will retire to make a decision and the judge will give final instructions. Once the jury has reached a verdict, the judge will take the decision back to the court and issue a judgment. The judge’s judgment will determine who is found liable, and what relief (monetary damages, etc.) is awarded. Once the judgment is made and signed, the parties can move into the enforcement and appeal stages of civil procedure.

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What is the trial stage of civil procedure?

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