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	damages Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries. default judgment A judgment rendered in favor of the plaintiff because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear to contest the plaintiff's claim. defendant In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime. deposition An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial. See discovery. discovery The process by which lawyers learn about their opponent's case in preparation for trial. Typical tools of discovery include depositions, interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for documents. All of these devices help the lawyer learn the relevant facts and collect and examine any relevant documents or other materials. docket A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.