A SIMPLE GUIDE TO FILING A CIVIL ACTION（一个简单的指南提起民事诉讼）.pdfVIP

STEP BY STEP A SIMPLE GUIDE TO FILING A CIVIL ACTION IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS JUNE9, 2017 STEP BY STEP A Simple Guide to Filing a Civil Action You believe that you have been injured or wronged by someone, some individual, corporation or government agency. You also believe you should be compensated for the harm you have suffered. In order to accomplish this, you have decided to file a civil suit in the United States District Court, without the help of an attorney. FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION First, there are a few simple concepts you must get to know and understand. The PLAINTIFF is the person who files the lawsuit. The DEFENDANT is the person who is being sued. If the you are representing yourself without the benefit of an attorney, you are known as a PRO SE LITIGANT. Pro Se is a Latin term meaning for yourself. As a pro se litigant, you enjoy every right entitled to you under the law. You need not worry if you have had little or no experience with the courts before. However, pro se litigants are expected to follow/abide by the rules that govern the practice of law in the Federal Courts. Pro Se Litigants should be familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of this court. The Local Rules are available In the Clerk’s Office or on the Court’s website - . The Federal Rules can be accessed in any law library or through the Federal Judiciary’s website - . FEDERAL COURT vs STATE COURT There is a difference between State Court and Federal Court. The difference being in what types of cases (law suits) they can decide. This