If a civil or criminal matter is not settled, what is the next step?

When a civil or criminal matter is not settled through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, the logical next step is to proceed to trial. At this stage, both parties present their cases before a judge or jury, who will then make a determination based on the evidence and arguments presented. This formal legal process allows for a structured examination of the case, where rules of procedure and evidence govern how the trial is conducted.

A trial aims to resolve the legal dispute definitively, leading to a judgment that can pave the way for further actions, such as appeals if one of the parties is dissatisfied with the outcome. In contrast, the other options listed typically occur at different stages or may be attempted before a trial. Mediation often occurs before a trial to help reach a mutual agreement without the need for formal litigation. Similarly, an out-of-court settlement can be pursued to resolve disputes amicably, and appeals come into play only after a trial's decision has been rendered. Thus, moving to a trial is the correct procedural step when earlier conflict resolution methods have not succeeded.