Litigation (Lawsuit)

Definition: The process of resolving a dispute through court proceedings. A civil lawsuit, also called a suit, can involve pleadings, evidence, hearings, settlement, and trial.

Example

A buyer files a lawsuit seeking damages for an alleged breach of a sale contract.

Keep the distinction clear

Litigation differs from mediation and arbitration. Those procedures may help resolve disputes outside a court trial, though courts can still have related roles.

Related terms

Plaintiff · Defendant · Mediation

Keep studying

Valid, Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable Contracts

References: Cornell LII: plaintiff · Cornell LII: defendant

Pronunciation (US): lit-ih-GAY-shun (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster