litigation

Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves a legal action or proceeding, such as a lawsuit, where parties present their arguments and evidence before a judge or jury.12

There are two main types of law: criminal and civil. Criminal law addresses offenses against the public or state, while civil law deals with injuries to individuals or private parties. Litigation can occur in either context, though the procedures, standards of proof, and potential outcomes differ significantly.3

The litigation process typically involves stages like pretrial preparation, where claims and defenses are exchanged and investigated, and the trial itself, where facts are established and argued. Lawyers play a crucial role in guiding clients through these stages, whether in transactional matters or in disputes that lead to court.24