An action by which the defendant is, in effect, is suing the plaintiff as part of their reply.

Defendant receives a document that informs the defendant that a legal action has been commenced against her/him.

The defendant’s response to the plaintiff's action that initiates a lawsuit.

The testimony - made under oath - generally of a witness to the incident. 

An action made by the plaintiff alleging wrongdoing on the part of the defendant. This initiates the lawsuit.

A series of written questions for which written answers are prepared by a party to a lawsuit and signed under oath.

The phase of a trial in which the opposing parties may obtain information and other evidence from each other and from third parties.