1. Civil and Criminal Law Civil Cases Chapter 16 Section 1

2. Civil Lawsuits • The Process in a Civil Case • Bringing Suit • Start the process by hiring a lawyer who files a complaint with the court • The court send the defendant a summons that announces that the defendant is being sued and what time to appear in court • The Defendant’s Response • Answer the complaint with admitting the charges are true or not agreeing to the injuries the plaintiff is claiming

3. Civil Lawsuits • The Process in a Civil Case • Pretrial Hearing – The two parties meet and can agree to a settlement so it does not have to go to court • Most civil cases are settled before trial

4. Civil Lawsuits • The Process in a Civil Case • Trial • There may be a jury or just a judge • Must prove the defendant guilty with a preponderance of evidence • Enough evidence to convince the judge or jury that the defendant more than likely was responsible for the incident