How does a court case work?

A court case in Delaware starts with filing a legal complaint. This is a document that outlines the details of the case and why the person bringing the case, the plaintiff, believes they are entitled to receive financial damages or other relief from the other party, the defendant. The defendant is then served with the complaint and given time to respond. The two sides will then begin a process of discovery to share evidence and facts related to the case. This includes document requests, depositions, and interrogatories. Both sides will be able to ask questions and explore the facts of the case. Once discovery is complete, the two sides can agree to settle out of court. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement, the pre-trial phase will begin. During this phase, the two sides will work to negotiate a settlement but if one cannot be reached, the case will move forward to trial. In the trial phase, both sides present their facts and evidence to a judge or jury. Witnesses can also be called and questioned. Once all the evidence has been heard, the judge or jury makes a ruling. The ruling can include an order for one side to pay the other side money or take other action. Both parties have the option to appeal the ruling if they are not satisfied with it. The appeals process can take place in either the Delaware Superior Court or the Delaware Supreme Court. If the appeals court does not overturn the ruling, this will be the official judgment in the case.

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How does a court case work?

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