Public Education

Pleadings

Pleadings A lawsuit begins when the person bringing the suit files a complaint. This first step begins what is known as the pleadings stage of the suit. Pleadings are certain formal documents

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Motions

Motions Motions are not pleadings but are requests for the judge to make a legal ruling. Some of the most common pre-trial motions include: Motion to Discover. A motion by

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Discovery

Discovery To begin preparing for trial, both sides engage in discovery. This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they’ll present at trial.

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Pre-trial Conferences

Pre-trial Conferences Judges use pre-trial conferences with lawyers for many purposes. One type of conference gaining popularity is the status conference (sometimes called the early conference). This conference—held after all initial pleadings have

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Bringing the Charge

Bringing the Charge Criminal charges are brought against a person in one of three ways: Through an indictment voted by a grand jury. Through the filing of an information by the prosecuting attorney (also

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Bail

Bail Bail is the amount of money defendants must post to be released from custody until their trial. Bail is not a fine. It is not supposed to be used

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