text: d'atténuation de la Peine. The opposite to a .QJEConstance atténuante is a circonstance aggravante, aggravating circumstance, i.e. one which increases instead of mitigating the severity of the punishment. 6. References England : Archbold Cross and Jones pp. 22-24, chaps. 5, 18 Curzon Criminal chaps. 1, 6 Emmins chaps. 1.3, 1.4, 2.4.2., 6, 14.4, 15-17, 18.4 Greaves vol, 3, chap. 3 Halsbury vol. 11, 'Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedure' Hampton pp. 2, 183-198, chap. 9, pp. 330-333, 355, chap. 13, pp. 407-409, 415, 417-430 James 172-184 OCL criminal liability, ggtenuating circumstances, mitigation Padfield 318-325 France : Dalloz responsabilité pénale - 1118 - Note 3 CIVIL PROCEDURE This note basically concerns civil procedure, but in some sections the terms used in criminal proceedings are mentioned as well for convenience. 1. Names of proceedings. (i) Usage in England Proceedings is a generic term meaning any kind of civil 1/ and criminal lawsuit. It is invariably used in the plural, but has the same meaning in the singular. Process, when used in its broad sense (see the glossary entry for process 1.) is also a generic term having the same meaning as proceedings, but is employed in an abstract sense, not a material one, e.g. abuse of process. by legal process. Sasfi is a non-technical term meaning the same as proceedings. Suit was formerly a technical term for proceedings brought in equity, as opposed to action, proceedings brought at common law. This terminological distinction has virtually disappeared, but the difference between common law remedies and equitable remedies remains. The word Suit is still used to denote a proceeding in a matrimonial cause (see below), for which the technical term is nevertheless action, and it survives in the colloquial term lawsuit. In the Supreme Court (High Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal) all 
analysis: The text appears to be a legal document, discussing the concepts of attenuating and aggravating circumstances in the context of punishment, as well as the terminology used in civil and criminal proceedings. The references provided are to specific laws, regulations, and legal texts, suggesting a focus on legal studies or the field of law.