Closing arguments provide each party with a final opportunity to explain how the evidence supports its position before the court reaches a decision. Because this stage typically marks the end of the presentation of a case, courts generally expect closing…

Expert witnesses often provide opinions that help explain technical, scientific, financial, or other specialized issues in civil litigation. Because expert testimony can significantly affect a case, procedural rules establish deadlines for disclosing expert opinions before trial. When an expert opinion…

After a court reaches a decision, the parties may be required to prepare and submit a proposed judgment reflecting the court’s ruling. Although the court has already decided the issues before it, disagreements may still arise regarding how the judgment…

Trial continuances may be requested when circumstances arise that prevent a case from moving forward as originally scheduled. Courts evaluate these requests carefully, considering the reasons for the continuance, the stage of the litigation, and the potential impact on the…

A complaint begins a civil lawsuit by setting out the legal claims and factual allegations that form the basis of the case. As litigation progresses, new information or changing circumstances may lead a party to request permission to amend the…

Litigation misconduct refers to conduct during a legal case that may interfere with the fair and orderly administration of justice. Courts expect parties and attorneys to comply with procedural rules, court orders, and their obligations throughout the litigation process. When…

Objections to speculation are common during civil litigation because testimony must be based on facts rather than guesswork. Courts generally require witnesses to testify about matters they personally observed or have a proper foundation to discuss, rather than offering assumptions…

Authentication is an important step in determining whether evidence may be admitted during civil litigation. Before documents, photographs, recordings, or other items may be considered by the court, the party offering the evidence must establish that it is what it…

Evidence plays a central role in civil litigation, but not every piece of information that seems relevant may be presented in court. Judges must determine whether certain evidence will assist the fact finder or create an unfair risk of prejudice…

Statements made during litigation can have a significant impact on how a case moves forward. In some circumstances, a party’s own statements may eliminate the need to prove certain facts because those facts are no longer in dispute. Courts evaluate…