Synonyms

Civil action

Definition

Litigation is a lawsuit or a civil action brought before a court in which the plaintiff seeks a legal remedy. One or more defendants are required to respond to the plaintiff’s complaint. If the plaintiff wins their case, damages may be awarded. If a lawsuit is not settled by agreement between the parties out of court, it would eventually be heard and decided by a judge or jury in a court. Litigation is one way that people and companies resolve disputes.

Cross-References