Civil Litigation

1. Legal Theories and Principles
   1. Burden of Proof
      1. Definition and Purpose
         1. Concepts related to which party must prove their case
         2. Importance in the justice system
      2. Application in Civil Litigation
         1. Plaintiff's Responsibility
         2. Shifting the Burden
      3. Comparison with Criminal Burden of Proof
         1. Differences between "beyond a reasonable doubt" and civil standards
   2. Standards of Proof
      1. Preponderance of the Evidence
         1. Definition and Examples
         2. Significance in Most Civil Cases
      2. Clear and Convincing Evidence
         1. Definition and Situations of Use
         2. Examples in Civil Law
      3. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
         1. Distinction from Civil Standards
         2. Use in Civil Contempt Cases
   3. Legal Precedent and Case Law
      1. Definition and Importance
         1. Role in Guiding Judicial Decision-Making
         2. Influence on Legal Predictability
      2. Stare Decisis
         1. Meaning and Historical Background
         2. Application in Jurisprudence
      3. Hierarchy of Precedents
         1. Binding vs. Persuasive Authorities
         2. Higher Courts vs. Lower Courts Decisions
   4. Statutes of Limitations
      1. Definition and Necessity
         1. Purpose in Limiting Legal Actions Over Time
         2. Balancing Interests of Both Parties
      2. Variations by Type of Claim
         1. Personal Injury
         2. Defamation and Libel
         3. Contract Disputes
      3. Tolling Provisions
         1. Definition and Circumstances Leading to Tolling
         2. Consequences of Tolling on Litigation
   5. Principles of Equity in Civil Law
      1. Definition and Historical Origins
         1. Concept of Fairness in Legal Remedies
         2. Historical Development in Common Law Systems
      2. Equitable Maxims
         1. Examples and Applications
         2. Relevance to Modern Civil Litigation
      3. Equitable Remedies
         1. Injunctions
         2. Specific Performance
         3. Rescission and Reformation
   6. Principles of Natural Justice
      1. Definition and Core Tenets
         1. Right to a Fair Hearing
         2. Rule Against Bias
      2. Application in Civil Procedures
         1. Ensuring Fairness in Court Proceedings
         2. Instances in Administrative Law
      3. Comparison with Due Process
         1. Similarities and Differences
         2. Impact on Civil Rights
   7. Doctrine of Res Judicata
      1. Concept Explanation
         1. Finality of Judgment in a Legal Dispute
         2. Prevention of Litigation of the Same Issue
      2. Application in Courts
         1. Elements and Criteria
         2. Case Examples
      3. Differences with Collateral Estoppel
         1. Distinct Functions and Application
   8. Public Policy and Social Justice Theories
      1. Role in Developing Civil Law
         1. Influence on Legislative Reforms
         2. Case Law Examples Reflecting Social Changes
      2. Balancing Individual Rights with Public Interests
         1. Examples in Tort and Family Law
         2. Conflicts and Resolutions
   9. Comparative Legal Theories
      1. Common Law vs. Civil Law Systems
         1. Key Differences and Similarities
         2. Impact on Legal Theories and Practice
      2. Influence of International Law in Domestic Litigation
         1. Example Cases and Principles
         2. Adaptation of Global Developments into Local Jurisprudence