legal proceeding

A legal proceeding is any activity that seeks to invoke the power of a tribunal in order to enforce a law, or obtain legal remedies pursuant to a law. Although the term may be defined more broadly or more narrowly as circumstances require, it has been noted that "[t]he term legal proceedings includes proceedings brought by or at the instigation of a public authority, and an appeal against the decision of a court or tribunal". Legal proceedings are generally characterized by an orderly process in which participants or their representatives are able to present evidence in support of their claims, and to argue in favor of particular interpretations of the law, after which a judge, jury, or other factfinder makes a determination of the factual and legal issues.