What is defined as "intervention" in civil law?

In civil law, "intervention" refers specifically to a legal process that allows a third party, who is not originally involved in a lawsuit, to join the proceedings with the intention of protecting their interests that may be affected by the outcome of the case. This is significant because it ensures that all parties with a stake in the dispute have an opportunity to contribute to the case and protect their rights.

Intervention can occur in various forms, such as permissive intervention (where a third party seeks to join based on a shared legal interest) or as a matter of right (when a statutory provision allows it). This mechanism is crucial for ensuring comprehensive resolution of disputes, as it prevents conflicting judgments and upholds the principle of judicial efficiency by addressing all related claims within a single legal proceeding.

The other options describe different legal concepts: a settlement agreement involves negotiation between existing parties to resolve their dispute; appealing a court's decision relates to reviewing a judgment made by a court; and legal representation pertains to the attorney-client relationship. Thus, while they are all important aspects of civil law, they do not capture the essence of what "intervention" specifically denotes in civil litigation.