What is the term for the stages through which a lawsuit passes?

The correct term for the stages through which a lawsuit passes is the litigation process. This term specifically refers to the comprehensive series of steps involved in taking legal action, from the initial filing of a complaint to the resolution of the case, whether through trial or settlement.

The litigation process encompasses several phases, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, trial, and potential appeals. Understanding this process is crucial in the field of healthcare law and ethics, particularly because it impacts how disputes are managed and resolved in healthcare settings.

While the terms "legal process," "court process," and "judicial process" may seem applicable, they do not accurately capture the scope of stages involved in a lawsuit. The legal process is a broader term that may refer to any legal frameworks and procedures, while the court process may imply the operations occurring only within the courtroom environment. The judicial process is more often associated with the functions of judges and courts, rather than the step-by-step journey of a legal case. Thus, "litigation process" is the most specific and correct choice.