Civil Action Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Civil Action, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Civil Action?

Any cases or trial which are not criminal in nature and involves the likes of domectic violence, business problems, against government organisations and such others.

History and Meaning of Civil Action

Civil action refers to any non-criminal legal proceeding where one party brings a complaint against another in hopes of obtaining a legal remedy. Typically, this means that the plaintiff is asking for compensation or damages, although it can also refer to seeking an injunction or other court order. Civil actions can take many forms, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and intellectual property disputes, among others.

Civil actions have a long history in the legal system, dating back to ancient times when legal disputes were settled through trial by combat or other primitive means. Over time, legal systems evolved to include more formalized methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration, and civil trials. Today, civil actions are a key component of modern legal systems and are used to settle a wide range of legal disputes.

Examples of Civil Action

  1. A doctor is sued for medical malpractice by a patient who claims that the doctor's negligence caused them harm.
  2. A company files a lawsuit against a former employee who has violated their non-compete agreement.
  3. A landlord files an eviction lawsuit against a tenant who has failed to pay rent.
  4. A consumer files a class action lawsuit against a company for false advertising.
  5. A homeowner files a lawsuit against their insurance company for failing to cover damage caused by a natural disaster.

Legal Terms Similar to Civil Action

  1. Criminal Action - refers to a legal proceeding where a defendant is accused of a crime and faces criminal charges.
  2. Tort - refers to a civil wrong that causes harm, such as negligence or intentional harm.
  3. Personal Injury - refers to a type of civil action where a plaintiff seeks compensation for physical or emotional harm caused by another party's negligence.
  4. Contract Dispute - refers to a type of civil action where one party alleges that the other has breached a contract.
  5. Injunction - refers to a court order that compels or prohibits certain actions, often used in civil actions to prevent harm or maintain the status quo.