STAGES OF A TYPICAL CIVIL LITIGATION

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STAGE
CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES --------
COMPLAINT FILED -------
ANSWER FILED ------
TRIAL BEGINS --------
JURY SELECTION ----
OPENING STATEMENTS ----
PLAINTIFF'S CASE ---
DEFENDANT'S CASE ---
CLOSING ARGUMENTS ---
JURY INSTRUCTIONS ---
VERDICT ---
FINAL JUDGMENT ---
APPEAL FILED ---
TIME
PROCEDURAL DEVICES
---- MOTION TO DISMISS

--- MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

--- MOTIONS IN LIMINE
--- PARTIES' MOTIONS FOR DIRECTED VERDICTS
--- MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL
--- MOTIONS FOR JNOV