Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is a legal document that outlines a party’s position?

1. Pleadings

2. Summons

3. Deposition

4. Verdict

The correct answer is: Pleadings

A legal document that outlines a party's position is referred to as pleadings. Pleadings serve to formally present the facts and claims of a party in a legal dispute. They include documents such as complaints, answers, and counterclaims, which articulate the arguments and legal theories upon which a party is relying. This clarity is vital as it provides the court and the opposing party with an understanding of the issues at play, laying the foundation for the legal process to unfold. In contrast, a summons is a document issued by the court to notify a defendant that they are being sued, setting the stage for the legal proceedings but not outlining a party's position. A deposition is a witness's sworn out-of-court testimony used to gather information before a trial, rather than a formal statement of legal position. A verdict is the jury's or judge's decision at the conclusion of a trial, summarizing the outcome of the case, but it doesn't express a party's position at the beginning of the legal process. Thus, pleadings are essential for initiating and framing legal actions.