The Jury in a Civil Lawsuit

There is a constitutional right to a jury trial in certain types of civil cases. The jury in a civil lawsuit usually contains 6 to 12 people.

Damages in Civil Litigation

If a person experiences a wrong, injury, or loss due to the actions of another, the injured person may file a civil lawsuit against the offending party. If the injured person proves his/her case, the court will award damages. Damages mean a monetary award to the injured person. This article discusses the various types of damages available in civil lawsuits.

State Appellate Procedural Process

If a litigant is dissatisfied with the trial court's judgment, the litigant can file an appeal. The party who files the appeal is called the appellant; the other party is called the appellee or respondent. This article discusses the steps in the state appellate procedural process.

Guidance for a Defendant in Small Claims Court

Small claims courts resolve disputes involving smaller dollar amounts than regular trial courts. For example, small claims courts in Wisconsin decide contract disputes, property damage actions, personal injury suits, evictions, the return of earnest money, and repossessions of property when the amount claimed is $5000 or less.

Diversity in the Courts

While great strides have been made in reducing racial and ethnic discrimination in all areas of society, the problem is not completely gone. It is essential to public confidence in the courts to assure a racial and ethnic neutral court system. Starting in 1988, task forces were implemented in many states to address racial and ethnic discrimination issues in the courts.