What is the primary purpose of litigation?

The primary purpose of litigation is to enforce a right. In legal terms, litigation involves the process of taking disputes to court for resolution. The action of filing a lawsuit is typically motivated by the desire to uphold or defend one's rights, whether they relate to property, contracts, personal injury, or other areas of law. When individuals or entities feel that their rights have been violated, they may engage in litigation to seek a judicial determination that enforces their rights, which can lead to remedies such as monetary damages or injunctive relief.

While negotiating a settlement, mediating a dispute, and establishing a legal precedent are all actions that can occur within the broader context of litigation, they serve auxiliary purposes. Settlements can occur before or during litigation as a means to reach an agreement without a court ruling, while mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution aimed at reaching a mutually agreeable outcome without going to court. Establishing a legal precedent is a valuable outcome of litigation, as court decisions can influence future cases, but the core function of litigation remains the enforcement of individual rights through the court system.