In California civil cases, direct examination is the process by which a party’s attorney questions their own witness to elicit testimony that supports their case. The purpose of direct examination is to establish facts, provide evidence, and help the witness…
In California civil cases, opening statements are the initial opportunity for each party to present an overview of their case to the judge (and jury, if applicable) at the beginning of the trial. The purpose of the opening statement is…
In California civil cases, a bench trial is a trial in which the judge, rather than a jury, serves as the factfinder and makes the final determination on the issues of law and fact. This is in contrast to a…
In California civil cases, the rules of evidence are primarily governed by the California Evidence Code, which sets forth the guidelines for what evidence can be presented and how it is to be used in court. The general principle is…
In California civil litigation, summary judgment is a legal procedure that allows a party to request the court to rule on a case without going to trial, based on the argument that there are no genuine issues of material fact…
In California civil cases, expert witnesses are used to provide specialized knowledge or opinions that assist the court in understanding complex issues that are outside the general knowledge or experience of the average person. Expert witnesses are typically brought in…
In California civil cases, an oral deposition is a legal process in which a party or witness is questioned under oath by an attorney outside of court, typically in the presence of a court reporter who transcribes the proceedings. Depositions…
Discovery in California civil cases refers to the pre-trial process in which parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. The purpose of discovery is to allow both sides to gather facts, clarify issues, and avoid surprises during trial,…
In California civil cases, “venue” refers to the geographic location where a lawsuit should be filed and heard. California law provides specific rules about venue to ensure that cases are heard in the most appropriate location, typically where the parties…
Subject matter jurisdiction in California civil litigation refers to the court’s authority to hear and decide a particular type of case. In California, subject matter jurisdiction is primarily divided between the state’s superior courts and specialized courts, such as small…