This handbook is designed to be a great resource for any course in civil litigation, as well as an excellent desk reference for paralegals. Part I guides the reader through the concept of a cause of action and the role the cause of action elements play in the entire litigation process. Part II provides an easy reference to common causes of action, doctrines, and defenses, with explanations of concepts such as "scope of duty" and "foreseeability," and a synopsis of a sample case for each topic.