What is the primary purpose of litigation?

The primary purpose of litigation is to seek a legal resolution through the court system. This involves formal legal proceedings where a plaintiff brings a case against a defendant, and a judge (or jury) makes a binding decision based on the evidence and arguments presented. Litigation is often necessary when parties are unable to resolve their disputes through negotiation or informal discussions, highlighting its role as a formal mechanism for dispute resolution in the legal framework.

In contrast, the other options refer to processes outside the courtroom. Negotiation and informal discussions might help resolve disputes before they escalate but do not constitute litigation, as they lack formal legal proceedings. Preventing disputes before they arise also does not align with the concept of litigation, which is inherently a reactive process that addresses conflicts that have already emerged. Thus, option B correctly identifies the fundamental purpose of litigation within the justice system.