Lawsuit
A lawsuit is a legal action initiated by one or more parties against another party or parties in a court of law. The purpose of a lawsuit is to seek a remedy for a wrong or injury that has been done. A lawsuit may be brought by an individual, a business, or a government agency. The party initiating the lawsuit is known as the plaintiff, while the party being sued is known as the defendant. The defendant may be an individual, a business, or a government agency.
History of Lawsuits
The concept of a lawsuit has been around since ancient times. In ancient Rome, lawsuits were used to settle disputes between citizens. In medieval Europe, lawsuits were used to settle disputes between lords and their vassals. In the United States, the first lawsuits were brought in the colonial period. The first recorded lawsuit in the United States was in 1641 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since then, lawsuits have become an important part of the legal system in the United States.
Comparison of Lawsuits
| Type of Lawsuit | Time to Resolve | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | 6-18 months | $2,000-$50,000 |
| Criminal | 3-12 months | $2,000-$100,000 |
| Administrative | 3-6 months | $500-$10,000 |
Summary
A lawsuit is a legal action initiated by one or more parties against another party or parties in a court of law. The purpose of a lawsuit is to seek a remedy for a wrong or injury that has been done. The time and cost of a lawsuit vary depending on the type of lawsuit. For more information on lawsuits, visit websites such as the American Bar Association, the National Center for State Courts, and the United States Courts.
See Also
- Civil Lawsuit
- Criminal Lawsuit
- Administrative Lawsuit
- Tort
- Contract Law
- Negligence
- Statute of Limitations
- Discovery
- Appeal
- Arbitration
