地道美语听力练习:通过法律方式解决问题

Nadia:I'm not sure about this civil lawsuit.

I don't want a long trial.

Andre:Relax. This case will never go to trial.

For disputes of this kind, neither party wants to fight it out in court, so we almost always reach a settlement.

Nadia:If we do go to court, the legal fees could skyrocket.

I couldn't afford that.

Andre:If we reach a settlement, you won't have to worry too much about that.

Nadia:All right, but what if they don't want to admit wrongdoing?

Andre:If we reach a settlement, they don't need to.

They'll simply pay out.

Nadia:Even if they don't admit it, at least I'll be able to talk freely about it.

Andre:Well, that might be a problem.

Many settlements require confidentiality-from both parties.

Nadia:You mean if I settle, I can't talk about it?

Andre:If there is a confidentiality clause, you'd be in breach of contract if you discussed the settlement.

Nadia:I didn't know that.

You mean I can't talk about what they did to me without getting my day in court?

Andre:That's the long and short of it.

Nadia:I guess justice is blind–but only for the rich!