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Judge's Gavel on Wooden Sound Block in Courtroom

What is a verdict?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A verdict is the formal decision a jury (or sometimes a judge) reaches after a trial, stating whether a party is liable or a defendant is guilty or not guilty. It’s issued after evidence and arguments are presented and is based on the applicable law and the proof standard (such as “beyond a reasonable doubt” […]

Judge's Gavel on Wooden Desk in Courtroom

Civil Litigation Consumer Law

What is a default judgment?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A default judgment is a court order granting the plaintiff’s requested relief because the defendant failed to respond or appear by the required deadline. It can result in a money judgment, injunction, or other remedies, often without a hearing on the merits. This article explains how default judgments happen, how you can challenge or set […]

Judge's Gavel on Desk with Legal Documents

Appellate Practice Civil Litigation

What is summary judgment?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Summary judgment is a court ruling issued without a trial when no genuine dispute of material fact exists and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. It’s commonly decided on written motions and evidence like affidavits, documents, and deposition excerpts to avoid unnecessary trials. This article explains the legal standard, how […]

Judge Reviewing Motion to Dismiss Legal Document

Appellate Practice Civil Litigation

What is a motion to dismiss?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A motion to dismiss is a request asking the court to throw out a lawsuit because the complaint is legally insufficient, filed improperly, or the court lacks jurisdiction. It’s often raised early in a case to end all or part of the claims before costly discovery and trial. This article explains what a motion to […]

Civil Litigation Family Law

What is an interrogatory?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An interrogatory is a written set of questions one party in a lawsuit sends to another to answer under oath during discovery, usually within 30 days (often with limited extensions). They help uncover key facts, identify witnesses, and narrow disputed issues before trial. This article explains what interrogatories are, typical limits and deadlines, how to […]

Lawyer Questioning Witness During Legal Deposition

Civil Litigation Employment Law

What is a deposition?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony taken under oath and recorded—usually by a court reporter—to gather evidence before trial. Attorneys for both sides ask questions, and the answers can be used in court in many cases. This article explains how depositions work, who attends, what to expect, and how to prepare. Understanding Depositions in Legal […]

Magnifying Glass Examining Documents and Data

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is discovery?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Discovery is the pretrial process where each side in a lawsuit must exchange relevant, nonprivileged information—often via interrogatories, document requests, and depositions. It’s designed to prevent surprise at trial and help both parties evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and potential settlement value of a case. This article explains what discovery includes, how it works, typical timelines […]

Student Writing Counterclaim in Essay at Desk

Business Litigation Civil Litigation

What is a counterclaim?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A counterclaim is a claim the defendant files against the plaintiff in the same lawsuit, seeking relief such as money damages or an injunction. It lets the defendant go on offense and can be compulsory (must be raised now) or permissive (optional), depending on how it relates to the plaintiff’s original claim. This article explains […]

Colorful Question Marks Surrounding the Word "answer"

Communications & Telecommunications Law Intellectual Property Law

What is an answer?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An “answer” is the defendant’s written response to a civil complaint, typically due within 20–30 days after service (often 21 days in federal court). It admits or denies each allegation, asserts defenses, and may include counterclaims, shaping what issues the court will decide. This article explains what an answer is, what it must contain, key […]

Legal Document with "summons" Header and Gavel

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is a summons?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A summons is a court-issued legal notice that tells you you’re being sued or charged and sets a deadline to respond or appear. It typically includes the names of the parties, the case number, the court, and instructions for what to do next, and ignoring it can lead to a default judgment or warrant. This […]

Customer Service Representative Handling Complaint Call

Civil Litigation Consumer Protection Law

What is a complaint?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A complaint is the legal document that starts a civil lawsuit by stating the plaintiff’s claims and the relief sought. It’s filed in the appropriate court and served on the defendant, who typically has a set deadline to respond under court rules. This article explains what a complaint includes, how filing and service work, and […]

Courtroom Interior with Judge's Bench and Wooden Furnishings

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is venue?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Venue is the legally proper location—usually a specific county or federal district—where a lawsuit must be filed and heard. Courts determine venue based on factors like where the parties reside, where a contract was performed, or where the events giving rise to the claim occurred. This article explains what venue means, how it differs from […]

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