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Defining The Legal World

Posted by Gregory M. Rada | Firm News

Accident Lawyer

There are many words, phrases, and definitions in the legal world that may not make sense to the average person, but are crucial to the entire litigation process. As an experienced accident lawyer can explain, having a baseline understanding of the terms within litigation can benefit anyone involved in a case, whether they are the plaintiff, defendant, or witness. We have gone ahead and outlined a variety of different terms you should understand so that you are more informed during the litigation process. 

Before getting into the different words and definitions, there must be a clear understanding that there are two different types of cases. A civil case is used to resolve a dispute between two parties and to provide compensation to the wronged party, for their physical, mental, or emotional harms. Civil lawsuits are brought by the injured person, also known as the “Plaintiff”, while the person who is being sued for compensation is the “Defendant”. 

This is not to be confused with criminal cases, in which the state is charging someone for a crime committed, and their behavior is punished because it is deemed an undesirable act by society and goes against the law. Additionally, in a criminal lawsuit the “Prosecution” who is the state, brings charges against the “Defendant”. civil and criminal cases can go hand-in-hand, as the person who committed the harm can be prosecuted both criminally and civilly for the same act. However, their distinctions must be noted before continuing into defining the legal world. 

Thanks to Eglet Adams for their insight on defining the legal world.