Legal Definitions - procedure

Definition: Procedure refers to the set of rules and guidelines that govern the conduct of legal proceedings. It outlines the steps that must be followed in order to resolve a legal dispute or issue.

For example, in a criminal trial, the procedure may include the following steps:

• Arrest of the suspect
• Booking and processing of the suspect
• Arraignment, where the charges are read and the suspect enters a plea
• Discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and information
• Trial, where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached
• Sentencing, where the punishment is determined

These steps must be followed in a specific order and according to specific rules in order to ensure a fair and just outcome.

Another example of procedure is the process for filing a lawsuit. This may include:

• Filing a complaint with the court
• Serving the complaint on the defendant
• Discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and information
• Pre-trial motions, where either side can ask the court to make a ruling on a specific issue
• Trial, where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached
• Appeal, where either side can challenge the outcome of the trial

These procedures ensure that legal disputes are resolved in a fair and orderly manner, and that the rights of all parties involved are protected.