Savannah, Georgia Civil Procedures

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Litigation Lawyers in Savannah

In Savannah, Georgia, "civil procedure" refers to the various processes and procedures that must be followed when conducting a civil lawsuit.

Like all laws, the rules of civil procedure in Savannah, Georgia reflect certain values that society, through its elected representatives, wants to promote. So, the rules of civil procedure have the stated goal of ensuring that the justice system is fair, cost effective, efficient, and accessible to everyone who has a legitimate legal grievance.

Civil litigation in Savannah, Georgia is almost never a simple process. So, the rules governing this process can't always be simple, either. Remember, civil procedure covers every single step of the civil litigation process, which can drag on for years.

Major Savannah, Georgia Civil Procedure Issues

Complaint: When somebody believes that they have suffered a legal wrong in Savannah, Georgia, and decide to file a lawsuit, the first document that they file with the court is usually the complaint. The complaint is very important, because it can frame the factual and legal issues, and set the tone, for the rest of the process. The complaint typically contains every factual allegation against the defendant that forms the basis of the plaintiff's lawsuit. It also contains a prayer for relief, in which the plaintiff lays out his or her desired remedies, if the court finds the defendant liable.

Answer: For the defendant, the answer is usually the first document they file in a lawsuit. As the name suggests, it "answers" the plaintiff's complaint. The answer typically denies most, or all, of the allegations made by the plaintiff. If the allegations are factually correct, and the defendant knows this, the defendant might admit that the allegations are true, but because of extenuating circumstances, they should not be held liable. For example, in a lawsuit for battery, a defendant might admit that they did strike the plaintiff, but claim that they were acting in self-defense, which would negate or weaken the plaintiff's case.

Discovery: The civil procedure rules in Savannah, Georgia were written with the purpose of, among other things, avoiding surprises. For that reason, everyone involved in a lawsuit goes into trial with a pretty good idea of what evidence the other side has. This is largely because of the discovery process, during which the attorneys for both sides are required to disclose (with some exemptions) all information relevant to the trial which they have in their possession. These disclosures come in multiple forms, such as simply sending boxes of documents, deposing witnesses, or submitting written questions to the other side, which the recipient is obligated to answer under oath.

Trial: In Savannah, Georgia, it's actually extremely rare for civil lawsuits to go to trial. Of all the lawsuits that are filed, only a tiny minority make it to trial. The majority are either dismissed, or settled. This is by design: the civil procedure rules in Savannah are specifically meant to encourage early resolution of legal disputes, without resorting to a costly and time-consuming trial. However, when a case does go to trial, it is for the purpose of a jury resolving all of the factual disputes between the parties. Each side will present evidence received through the discovery process, call witnesses, and make arguments on behalf of their position. Once the jury reaches a verdict (a finding of fact), the judge enters a judgment on the verdict.

How Can a Savannah, Georgia Lawyer Help?

If you're facing any significant legal issue in Savannah, Georgia, you can be pretty much certain that you'll face at least a few procedural complications that can hold up the process.

Civil Procedure in Savannah, Georgia can be pretty complicated. It's always a good idea to have a lawyer who can advise you on how best to deal with these civil procedure issues.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Savannah

Savannah, Georgia is the county seat for Chatham County. It is the largest city in the county and was Georgia's original state capital. Savannah is also an important industrial hub and a functional Atlantic seaport.

Savannah is internationally known for being a model of "Southern hospitality and charm". The city's culture, architecture, and history have earned it the nickname of "Hostess City of the South". The nickname is a reference to the warm and cordial atmosphere of the city and its residents. In particular, Savannah's cozy downtown area attracts many visitors and is one of the U.S.' largest National Historic Landmarks.

Music plays a major role in Savannah culture. Year-round, the city hosts several music festivals, such as the annual Savannah Jazz Festival and the Savannah Music Festival. Several rock bands had their start in Savannah. The Savannah Civic Center also hosts concerts and features over 900 different events every year. Savannah, Georgia is frequently mentioned in popular films, television shows, and in literature.

Lawyers in Savannah, Georgia practice in many areas of law in order to meet the diverse needs of the community. Many Savannah lawyers are part of the Savannah Bar Association and other local and voluntary bar organizations

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