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Litigation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'litigation'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'litigation' originated from the Latin word 'litigatio', which means a dispute or controversy. In ancient Rome, litigation was a common method of resolving legal conflicts. Over time, the concept of litigation evolved, and it became a structured legal process in modern legal systems. Today, litigation plays a crucial role in the justice system, allowing individuals and organizations to seek legal remedies for their grievances.

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.