Legal process facts for kids

A legal process is like a set of official steps or rules that courts follow when dealing with a lawsuit or a legal case. It's how the court makes sure everyone involved knows what's happening and follows the rules.

Sometimes, "legal process" also means the official paper or message a court sends to someone. This paper tells them they need to come to court or do something specific. It's how the court gets the power to make decisions about people or property.

What is a Legal Process?

A legal process is the way a court handles a case. Think of it as the official journey a legal problem takes through the justice system. This journey includes all the steps from when a case starts until it ends. It makes sure everything is done fairly and correctly.

The main goal of a legal process is to make sure everyone gets a fair chance. It also helps the court make decisions based on facts and rules. This system is important for keeping things organized in the legal world.

How Legal Process Works

When a court needs someone to be part of a case, it sends them an official message. This message is called "serving" a party. It means the court is officially telling them about the case. This way, the person knows they need to respond or appear in court.

This official message is usually a written order. It might tell someone to come to court on a certain date. Or it might ask them to provide information or documents. It's a formal way for the court to get people involved in a case.

Types of Legal Process Documents

There are different kinds of official papers a court might send. Each one has a special purpose. These documents are all part of the legal process.

What is a Summons?

A summons is a paper that tells you a lawsuit has been started against you. It also tells you when and where you need to appear in court. Or it might tell you how much time you have to respond to the lawsuit. It's often the first official step in a civil case.

What is a Subpoena?

A subpoena is a court order that tells someone they must come to court. It might also tell them to bring certain documents or evidence. For example, a witness might get a subpoena to testify about what they saw. It helps the court get all the information it needs for a case.

Understanding Warrants

A warrant is an official paper signed by a judge. It gives permission for certain actions. For example, a search warrant allows police to search a specific place. An arrest warrant allows police to arrest someone. Warrants are used to make sure these actions are legal and approved by the court.

Related Legal Concepts

• Civil procedure: These are the rules for how civil lawsuits (cases between people or groups) are handled in court.
• Due process: This is a very important idea. It means the government must respect all the legal rights of a person. It ensures fairness in all legal actions.
• Legal proceeding: This is a general term for any action or step taken in a court case.
• Procedural law: These are the rules that courts must follow when hearing cases. It's about how things are done, not what the law says.
• Trial: This is the main part of a court case. It's where a judge or jury hears evidence and makes a decision.

Images for kids

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  Example of electronic consultation of physical procedural records of the Court of Justice of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

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  Example of physical procedural records from the Court of Justice of the State of Rio de Janeiro.