litigiu

Litigiu is a Romanian noun used in legal contexts to denote a formal dispute between parties that is resolved by a court. In English, the term is usually translated as litigation or lawsuit and refers to the process of asserting or defending legal rights in court. The word has Latin roots, reflecting a long-standing concept in civil and criminal procedure.

In general use, a litigation covers civil disputes such as contract, property, tort, or family matters. Depending on jurisdiction, criminal cases may also be described as litigation, though practitioners typically distinguish civil and criminal proceedings.

A typical litigation begins when a party files a complaint or petition with a competent court, initiating procedural steps. The other party is served with notice and may file a defense. The case then proceeds through discovery, pre-trial conferences, and hearings, culminating in a judgment. Parties may appeal the decision where permitted.

Litigation is distinct from alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation, which resolve disputes outside the formal court system. Costs, duration, and outcomes vary by jurisdiction and case type. Court records in many systems are public, which promotes transparency but can raise privacy considerations for those involved.