The original trial of a court case is conducted by the  _______________.

Still use the previous elevator incident to answer this question.  If you decide to file suit in state court, what action must you take to begin your suit?  What is the deadline (actual date- month/day/year) to file this document with the court?

A document containing the fundamental principles of government is a _______________.

You are shopping at Academy Sports in West Monroe today. You are looking at fishing poles, and do not realize there is a wet area on the floor caused by another customer who spilled her super-sized Sprite.  You slip on the wet area and fall, striking the back of your head on the floor. When you regain consciousness, the store manager is kneeling beside you trying to help you to your feet. The manager is upset and states you are the third person who has fallen in the Sprite today. What do you have to prove to show Academy Sports is negligent?  Another way to ask the question:  Is Academy Sports negligent?  Explain your answer.  

List the four elements to prove negligence at trial.

A sum of money a tortfeasor must pay to an injured party is called _______________.

Explain why we have laws in the United States.

Define “Law.”

On September 4, 2020, you (a Louisiana resident) are involved in a serious elevator accident at Dillard’s in the Pecanland Mall in Monroe, Louisiana. The elevator malfunctioned and the doors closed on you, causing you to fall. The incident is not your fault, and was caused by a defect in the equipment. The manufacturer of the elevator is Elevator, Inc., which is an Alabama corporation.  Dillard’s is an Illinois corporation.  The Pecanland Mall is also an Illinois corporation. Assume your damages total at least $95,000. Does federal court have jurisdiction over your suit? Explain why federal court does or does not have jurisdiction.

Still use the previous elevator incident to answer this question.  If the trial court rules against you, and you do not get any damages, what is your next step? Will there be another trial during this next step? What happens if a party is still unhappy? Explain your answer.