What is the word for starting a court case?
Asked by: Andreanne Willms | Last update: October 18, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)
Petitioner: Another word for plaintiff, the person starting the lawsuit. Plaintiff: The person who sues or starts a civil case, also called the petitioner or the complainant. Plea: An accused persons answer to a criminal charge. For example: not guilty; guilty; no contest.
What is it called when a court case starts?
The arraignment. An arraignment is usually the first court date in a criminal case. At an arraignment, a defendant finds out what they're charged with and what rights they have.
What is the word for starting a lawsuit?
Complaint: A written statement filed by the plaintiff to begin a lawsuit. In this document, the plaintiff outlines his case and states what he would like to happen.
What is it called when you first go to court?
What Is a First Appearance? First appearance, also known as a “48-hour hearing,” “magistration,” “arraignment” or “presentment,” is the initial court appearance for a defendant in a criminal case.
What are common words used in court?
- Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
- Answer. ...
- Acquit. ...
- Cause of Action. ...
- Challenge for Cause. ...
- Closing Argument. ...
- Complaint. ...
- Counterclaim.
Everything To Know Before Going To Court
What do judges say at the beginning of a trial?
Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of California versus (defendant's first name). Are both sides ready? District Attorney: Ready for the People, Your Honor.
What are the words for sworn in court?
Oath: I swear that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. Affirmation: I solemnly affirm that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
How to start a court case?
You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
What is the first step in the court process?
Arraignment
The defendant goes to court. They find out what they're charged with and what their rights are. The judge will ask if they are ready to plea.
What is the court of first entry?
: the court first taking jurisdiction of a case compare court of appeal.
What is another word for initiate an action?
Some common synonyms of initiate are begin, commence, inaugurate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.
What is the beginning of a lawsuit called?
To begin a civil lawsuit in federal court, the plaintiff files a complaint with the court and “serves” a copy of the complaint on the defendant.
What is a synonym for court action?
court action (noun as in trial) Strongest matches. action arraignment case contest hearing impeachment indictment lawsuit litigation prosecution suit tribunal.
How to initiate a court case?
How do I start a court case? Most court cases start when one party files a complaint, petition, or other legal documents with the court clerk.
How to start a trial?
After preliminary instruction from the judge to the jury, a trial begins with the opening statements by the attorneys. The plaintiff's attorney gives his opening statement first, followed by the defendant's attorney.
What is the word for a court case?
litigation - A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
How does the judge start a trial?
1. After the bailiff has called the court to order, judge enters courtroom and sits at bench. The judge tells everyone, but the jury, to be seated. The bailiff swears in the jury.
What are the steps of a case?
- Investigation.
- Charging.
- Initial Hearing / Arraignment.
- Discovery.
- Plea Bargaining.
- Preliminary Hearing.
- Pre-Trial Motions.
- Trial.
What comes first in court?
The side bringing the case is the side that bears the burden of proof, and thus always goes first. This is the prosecuting attorney in a criminal case, or the plaintiff in a civil case. The defense then follows with their opening statement.
How do you initiate a legal case?
Firstly, any claim must be filed as soon as possible and always within three months of the grounds to make a claim arising (6 weeks if it involves planning permission) but before the claim is made a pre-action protocol letter should be sent to the party who you are in dispute with (the defendant – a public body).
What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?
- Step 1: File a Complaint. Plaintiff files a complaint and summons with the local county court. ...
- Step 2: Answer Complaint. ...
- Step 3: Discovery. ...
- Step 4: Failing to Respond to Discovery. ...
- Step 5: Conclusion of Lawsuit.
How do you introduce a case in court?
Instead, tell the jury in the beginning that you are going to describe what the evidence will establish, and then never say that again unless there is an objection. Let the facts themselves argue your case. Assemble the facts, and present them in a manner that leaves only one conclusion – the one you are advancing.
What do they say in court?
- As jurors you are not to be swayed by sympathy.
- Bail should be continued.
- Call your next witness.
- Can you tell the jury…?
- Could you briefly describe …?
- Could you describe the appearance of (a package, etc.)?
- Counsel, lay a foundation.
- Defendant will be remanded.
What is a sworn statement called?
An affidavit is a sworn statement a person makes before a notary or officer of the court outside of the court asserting that certain facts are true to the best of that person's knowledge.
What to say to a judge at sentencing?
Avoid making excuses. Instead, let the Judge know you are remorseful, and that you will do whatever it takes to avoid getting in trouble again. A great speech at sentencing is a brief and sincere-sounding apology to the victims and the court.