litígio

Litígio is a Portuguese term that translates to "litigation" or "dispute" in English. It refers to a formal legal process where two or more parties engage in a disagreement that is brought before a court of law for resolution. This can involve civil, criminal, administrative, or labor matters.

The core of litígio lies in the existence of a conflict of rights or interests between parties, which cannot be settled amicably. When such a conflict arises, and attempts at negotiation or mediation fail, parties may resort to legal action. This involves filing a lawsuit, presenting evidence, and arguing their case before a judge or jury.

The process of litígio typically involves several stages, including the initial filing of a claim, the exchange of pleadings, discovery of evidence, pre-trial motions, the trial itself, and finally, a judgment. Appeals are also a potential part of litígio, allowing parties to challenge the outcome of a lower court's decision.

The term litígio can also be used more broadly to describe any contentious situation or quarrel, even outside of a formal legal context, implying a strong disagreement or conflict. However, in its most common legal usage, it specifically denotes a dispute being handled through the judicial system.