Table of Contents
Courts resolve disputes by examining evidence and applying laws. Understanding how court cases work helps people know what to expect during legal proceedings and how decisions are made.
What Is a Court Case?
A court case is a legal process where two or more parties present their arguments to a judge or jury. The goal is to settle a disagreement or determine guilt or innocence in criminal cases.
Stages of a Court Case
Most court cases follow several common stages:
- Filing: One party files a complaint or charges.
- Pre-trial: Both sides gather evidence and may settle out of court.
- Trial: Evidence is presented, and witnesses testify.
- Verdict: The judge or jury makes a decision.
- Appeal: The losing party may ask a higher court to review the decision.
Types of Court Cases
Court cases generally fall into two main categories:
- Civil cases: Disputes between individuals or organizations, such as contracts or property issues.
- Criminal cases: Cases where the government accuses someone of breaking the law.