Legal Definitions - case

A "case" refers to a formal legal proceeding or dispute brought before a court for resolution. It encompasses the entire process, from the initial filing of documents to a final judgment or settlement. Cases can be broadly categorized as either civil, involving disputes between private parties such as individuals or organizations, or criminal, where the government accuses an individual or entity of violating a law.

• Example 1: Civil Contract Dispute
  A small business initiates a legal proceeding against a larger corporation for allegedly breaching a supply contract by failing to deliver essential raw materials on time, causing significant financial losses.

  Explanation: This is a civil case because it involves a dispute between two private entities (the small business and the corporation) over a contractual obligation, where one party is seeking a legal remedy, such as compensation for damages, from the other.

• Example 2: Criminal Prosecution for Assault
  The state's prosecutor files charges against an individual accused of physically assaulting another person during a public altercation.

  Explanation: This is a criminal case because the government (the state) is accusing an individual of violating a law (assault) and is seeking to impose penalties, such as imprisonment or fines, if the individual is found guilty.

• Example 3: Civil Environmental Lawsuit
  A group of local residents files a lawsuit against a manufacturing plant, claiming the plant's operations are polluting their water supply and causing health issues.

  Explanation: This is another civil case, where private individuals (the residents) are seeking to hold a private entity (the manufacturing plant) accountable for harm and damages, potentially asking the court to order the plant to stop polluting or to pay compensation.