Lawsuit vs. Litigation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
A lawsuit is a legal action filed by a party seeking a resolution for a dispute in court, while litigation encompasses the entire process of taking legal action, including multiple lawsuits and other proceedings.
Difference Between Lawsuit and Litigation
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A lawsuit refers to a specific claim or complaint initiated by one party against another in a court of law, aiming to obtain a judgment or settlement. Litigation, on the other hand, is a broader term that describes the entire process of legal dispute resolution, which may involve multiple lawsuits and various phases including pre-trial negotiations, trials, and appeals.
The term lawsuit is used when a plaintiff files a legal action against a defendant, which can involve issues like breach of contract, personal injury, or property disputes. Litigation, however, encompasses all the activities before, during, and after a lawsuit, including discovery, motions, hearings, and the enforcement of a final judgment.
Lawsuits are a component of litigation and represent the actual legal documents and proceedings filed in court. Whereas litigation includes not only these lawsuits but also the strategy and management of the case across potentially multiple jurisdictions and legal instances.
In practical terms, a lawsuit is usually confined to the interactions between the specific parties involved in the immediate dispute. Litigation can extend to broader legal strategies that might involve dealing with public relations, managing multiple related legal actions, and engaging with overarching legal rights and responsibilities.
While a lawsuit is initiated when a legal complaint is formally filed in court, litigation can be ongoing and may include activities intended to avoid a trial, such as mediation or arbitration, before or after filing a lawsuit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific legal action filed in court.
The entire process of legal action.
Scope
Involves particular claims and parties.
Includes all legal disputes and processes.
Components
Just the filing and court proceedings.
Strategy, pre/post-trial processes, etc.
Duration
Limited to the duration of a single case.
Can extend before and after a lawsuit.
Focus
On obtaining a judgment or settlement.
On managing and resolving disputes.
Compare with Definitions
Lawsuit
A procedural step in seeking judicial intervention.
The lawsuit was the result of a long-standing dispute.
Litigation
Actions involved in resolving legal conflicts.
Litigation often concludes with a settlement before reaching trial.
Lawsuit
A legal action where a party seeks a remedy for a grievance.
She filed a lawsuit for damages after the car accident.
Litigation
Includes various legal maneuvers and procedures.
Litigation included several pre-trial motions to dismiss.
Lawsuit
Judicial process by which a legal judgment is sought.
The lawsuit went through various stages before reaching a verdict.
Litigation
Encompasses the entire span of a legal dispute.
Litigation can be lengthy and involve considerable expense.
Lawsuit
A claim brought in a court against a defendant.
The company faced a lawsuit over copyright infringement.
Litigation
The management of multiple related legal cases.
She specializes in litigation involving intellectual property.
Lawsuit
A formal complaint initiating court proceedings.
He initiated a lawsuit to resolve the contractual disagreements.
Litigation
The process of taking legal action in court.
The company’s litigation strategy was developed by a team of lawyers.
Lawsuit
A lawsuit is a proceeding by a party or parties against another in the civil court of law. The archaic term "suit in law" is found in only a small number of laws still in effect today.
Litigation
To prosecute or defend (a lawsuit or legal action); pursue (a legal case).
Lawsuit
An action or proceeding other than a criminal prosecution brought in a court of law or equity.
Litigation
To bring a lawsuit or defend against a lawsuit in court.
Lawsuit
(legal) In civil law, a case where two or more people disagree and one or more of the parties take the case to a court for resolution.
The lawyer advised his client against filing a lawsuit as it would take a lot of time and money to resolve.
Litigation
(legal) The conduct of a lawsuit.
There is ongoing litigation in this matter.
This law firm is known for its litigation practice.
That attorney has been chastised for his litigation behavior.
Lawsuit
An action at law; a suit in equity or admiralty; any legal proceeding before a court for the enforcement of a claim.
Litigation
The act or process of litigating; a suit at law; a judicial contest.
Lawsuit
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy;
The family brought suit against the landlord
Litigation
A legal proceeding in a court; a judicial contest to determine and enforce legal rights
Common Curiosities
Is litigation always resolved in court?
Not always; litigation can also be resolved through settlements or alternative dispute resolution methods.
What types of cases can be resolved with a lawsuit?
Lawsuits can resolve a variety of cases, including civil, criminal, and administrative disputes.
What is typically the first step in litigation?
The first step is often the filing of a complaint, initiating a lawsuit.
What roles do lawyers play in litigation?
Lawyers represent their clients, manage case strategy, and handle court proceedings.
What is the purpose of a lawsuit?
A lawsuit aims to resolve disputes between parties and obtain compensation or other remedies.
How does litigation differ from a lawsuit?
Litigation includes the entire process of legal dispute resolution, while a lawsuit is just one part of that process.
What is the outcome of a lawsuit?
The outcome can be a court judgment, a settlement between the parties, or a dismissal of the case.
Can litigation occur without a lawsuit?
Yes, litigation can involve other legal processes like mediation or arbitration, apart from lawsuits.
Are there alternatives to litigation?
Yes, alternatives include mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.
How long can litigation last?
Litigation can last from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Cunning vs. Wise
Next Comparison
Infection vs. InfestationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
