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Litigation: meaning, definitions and examples

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litigation

 

[ˌlɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal proceedings

Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action, typically through the court system, to resolve a dispute between parties. It involves the formal presentation of arguments, evidence, and legal reasoning to a judge or jury.

Synonyms

lawsuit, legal action, legal dispute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
litigation

Used in a broad, formal sense to describe the entire legal process of taking legal action in court. Often used by legal professionals.

  • The company faced years of litigation before the case was finally resolved.
  • She decided to pursue litigation to seek compensation for the damages.
legal action

A general term used to describe any formal steps taken to enforce or defend legal rights, often used in the broader context of seeking justice or resolving disputes.

  • They are considering legal action to prevent the construction of the new factory.
  • Legal action might be necessary if the parties cannot reach an agreement.
lawsuit

Refers to a specific case of legal action filed by one party against another in a court of law. Commonly used by the general public.

  • He filed a lawsuit against his former employer for wrongful termination.
  • The lawsuit between the two companies has attracted a lot of media attention.
legal dispute

Describes a disagreement involving legal rights that is usually headed towards litigation. It is often used in the preliminary stages before formal actions are taken.

  • The legal dispute over the property has been ongoing for several years.
  • They entered into a legal dispute regarding the terms of the contract.

Examples of usage

  • Many companies try to avoid litigation by settling disputes out of court.
  • The litigation process can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Her lawyer advised her to pursue litigation against the company for breach of contract.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'litigation' comes from the Latin word 'litigatio', which means 'dispute' or 'contention'.
  • It combines 'litigare', meaning 'to dispute', and 'agere', meaning 'to act', showcasing its roots in conflict resolution.
  • The transition of the term into English took place in the late Middle Ages, reflecting the growing importance of legal proceedings.

Legal History

  • Litigation has been a fundamental aspect of legal systems since ancient civilizations, like those of the Greeks and Romans.
  • The establishment of modern courts in the 19th century made litigation a more structured process, with specific rules and procedures.
  • Landmark cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education, highlight how litigation has been pivotal in social change and justice.

Pop Culture

  • Litigation is a frequent plot element in movies and TV shows, often portrayed in courtroom dramas that depict thrilling legal battles.
  • Famous trials, like the O.J. Simpson case, captured public attention and significantly influenced societal views on race and justice.
  • Legal-themed books and media often focus on the dramatic aspects of litigation, amplifying its suspensefulness and high stakes.

Psychology

  • The stress of litigation can heavily impact mental health, leading to anxiety for those involved in legal disputes.
  • Research indicates that individuals engaged in litigation often experience heightened emotions due to fear of loss or conflict.
  • Disputants in a lawsuit may also face challenges in relationships during and after litigation due to the adversarial nature of the process.

Education

  • Law schools often offer litigation courses to train future lawyers in courtroom strategies, evidence handling, and legal ethics.
  • Practical experiences like mock trials help students develop skills needed for effective litigation in real-world scenarios.
  • Understanding litigation is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in law, as it forms the basis of much of legal practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "litigation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 litigação

🇮🇳 मुकदमा

🇩🇪 Rechtsstreit

🇮🇩 litigasi

🇺🇦 судовий процес

🇵🇱 proces sądowy

🇯🇵 訴訟

🇫🇷 litige

🇪🇸 litigio

🇹🇷 dava

🇰🇷 소송

🇸🇦 دعوى قضائية

🇨🇿 soudní spor

🇸🇰 súdny spor

🇨🇳 诉讼

🇸🇮 sodni postopek

🇮🇸 málarekstur

🇰🇿 сот процесі

🇬🇪 სასამართლო პროცესი

🇦🇿 məhkəmə işi

🇲🇽 litigio

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,626, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.