Understanding Civil Cases 8th Grade

What is the first step a plaintiff must take to begin a civil lawsuit in federal court?

• File a motion with the court

• File a complaint with the court

• Serve a subpoena to the defendant

• Request a jury trial

What is the purpose of the complaint filed by the plaintiff?

• To request a jury trial

• To describe the plaintiff’s damages or injury and ask for relief

• To provide evidence to the defendant

• To determine the amount of damages

What is the process called where litigants exchange information about the case?

• Mediation

• Arbitration

• Discovery

• Settlement

What is the main goal of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

• To increase the number of trials

• To produce an early resolution of a dispute without a trial

• To ensure a jury is present

• To delay the court proceedings

In a civil case, what must the plaintiff prove to win the case?

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

• By a preponderance of the evidence

• By clear and convincing evidence

• By absolute certainty

What is a settlement in the context of a civil lawsuit?

• A decision made by the jury

• An agreement resolving the dispute without a trial

• A motion filed by the defendant

• A type of discovery document

Who decides the outcome in a bench trial?

• The jury

• The judge

• The plaintiff

• The defendant

What might a plaintiff seek as relief in a civil lawsuit?

• A criminal conviction

• Money to compensate for damages

• A public apology

• A new trial