Legal procedure refers to the established rules and processes that govern how legal cases are handled in courts. It includes the steps that must be followed from the initiation of a case, such as filing a complaint, to the final resolution, whether through a trial or settlement. These procedures ensure fairness and consistency in the legal system. Key components of legal procedure include pleadings, discovery, and trial. Pleadings involve the formal statements of the parties' claims and defenses. Discovery is the process where both sides gather evidence and information. Finally, the trial is where the case is presented before a judge or jury for a decision.