Pretrial Procedures

Introduction

Read the overview below and complete the activities that follow.

Every legal case follows the same basic steps. Businesspeople should be familiar with these procedures to better enable them to work with counsel when involved in litigation.

CONCEPT REVIEW:

Go to your text and review the Steps in Civil Litigation section. Be sure to look carefully at the examples of a complaint and answer, noticing the elements contained in each document.

Ramiro believes Ashlea breached their contract and plans to sue her. Informal negotiations fail. Number these options in the order that they should follow.

Rank the options below.

Ramiro files complaint.

Ashlea files answer and counterclaim.

Parties file interrogatories.

Ashlea is served with summons and complaint.

Ashlea files motion for summary judgment.

Ramiro files motion for judgment on the pleadings.

Ramiro files reply.

Pretrial conference held.