{"id":368972,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/trial-and-verdict.html"},"modified":"2026-07-02T10:51:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T15:51:47","slug":"trial-and-verdict","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/trial-and-verdict.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Civil Trial and Verdict?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Civil Trial and Verdict?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In a civil trial<\/span>, a plaintiff<\/span> claims the defendant is legally responsible for their alleged damages. A trial allows the plaintiff<\/span> to argue their civil case<\/span> and seek a judgment against the defendant. The defendant also has a chance to refute the plaintiff<\/span>\u2019s case. A judge<\/span> or jury examines the evidence and issues a verdict<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, you can\u2019t solve a problem with another person without help. The court system can provide that support \u2014 and it has the authority to decide an enforceable outcome.<\/p>\n

Generally, civil cases<\/span> focus on disputes between people, businesses, or other types of organizations. Civil litigation<\/span> seeks a remedy in court. This article will discuss how a typical civil case<\/span> progresses through the trial process.<\/p>\n

Civil cases<\/span> span a wide range of issues in daily life. They may concern contract disputes<\/span><\/a>, personal injuries<\/span>, divorces, and more. Your case will likely involve many unique considerations depending on what type of issue you face. If you might be party to a civil lawsuit<\/span>, get advice from an experienced civil litigation<\/span> attorney<\/a> early in the process.<\/p>\n

Civil Trial<\/span> vs. Alternative Methods<\/h2>\n

Trial is often a last resort for a civil dispute because of the time, cost, and complexity involved. Personal injury<\/span> cases, for instance, reach trial less than 5% of the time.<\/p>\n

Even as the parties get ready for court, they can still consider negotiating a settlement<\/a> instead. Many parties also resolve civil cases<\/span> via alternative dispute resolution<\/a>,\u00a0such as arbitration or mediation<\/span>. But in some cases, trial becomes the best option to seek a fair result.<\/p>\n

The verdict<\/span> <\/a>of a civil trial<\/span> is intended to set a final outcome. In some cases, civil appeals<\/a> or later modifications<\/a>, such as for child custody, may change the parties\u2019 circumstances. But aside from those situations, a trial produces a clear and legally enforceable result.<\/p>\n

Steps of Civil Trial<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before a civil case<\/span> begins the court process, a plaintiff<\/span> must file a complaint<\/a>, and the defendant can reply. Both parties gather facts and evidence<\/a> about the dispute. These initial steps and documents build a foundation for how the rest of the case will proceed.<\/p>\n

A complete civil trial<\/span> consists of seven phases:<\/p>\n