What is the correct sequence of steps in the trial process described?

• A. Discovery → Pleading → Trial → Judgement
• B. Pleading → Discovery → Trial → Judgement
• C. Trial → Pleading → Judgement → Discovery
• D. Pleading → Trial → Discovery → Judgement

Answer: (B)

The sequence tested reflects how a civil case typically moves from start to finish: pleadings establish the claims and defenses, discovery gathers and exchanges relevant evidence, the trial presents the evidence and arguments to resolve the issues, and judgment issues the court’s or jury’s decision. Pleadings come first because they define what is being claimed and contested. Discovery follows to obtain information necessary to prove or defend those claims. The trial then uses the evidence gathered to decide the issues, and judgment is the formal ruling that results from that decision. Other orders don’t fit the logical flow: discovery before pleadings would rely on unstated claims, trial before sufficient evidence would be premature, and judgment before a trial would leave the decision unsupported.