Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
civil trial
References
Britannica AI Icon

civil trial

law
Written by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Quick Summary

A civil trial is a judicial examination of issues of fact or law to determine the rights of parties involved in a dispute. Unlike criminal law, which addresses offenses against the public, civil law deals with injuries to individuals or private parties, such as breaches of contract or property damage.12

In a civil trial, attorneys for the plaintiff and defendant present opening statements. The plaintiff's attorney then calls witnesses, who may be cross-examined by the defense. If the case isn't dismissed, the defense presents its witnesses, who are then cross-examined by the plaintiff's attorney. Both sides make closing arguments. In jury trials, the judge instructs the jury on the law, and the jury reaches a verdict. The goal is typically to restore parties to their original positions, often through monetary damages or court orders.13

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
10 Britannica Sources
  1. trial
  2. procedural law - Stages leading to trial or main hearing
  3. procedural law - Instructions to the jury
  4. procedural law - The order of trial
  5. procedural law - New trial and other relief
  6. evidence - The burden of proof
  7. burden of proof
  8. lawsuits
  9. court - Civil courts
  10. What Is the Difference Between Criminal Law and Civil Law?

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.