A civil case is a lawsuit brought against an individual or a business in order to collect money or damages. It is different from a criminal case, which is brought by the government against an individual or business for an alleged crime. Civil cases often involve two private parties filing a lawsuit, usually to resolve a disagreement or seek compensation for an injury or wrong-doing.
A wide range of financial, contractual, and personal issues can be addressed in civil court. Commonly, civil cases involve issues such as business disputes, breach of contract, personal injury, consumer fraud, copyright infringement, or deceptive sales practices.
Civil cases can be divided into two main types: civil court cases and out-of-court settlements. Civil court cases are the most common type of civil case. These involve legal action that is heard and resolved by a judge or jury. Out-of-court settlements are an informal agreement between the parties without the involvement of a third party. These can result in a monetary settlement or some other form of compensation such as an apology.
The civil case process generally begins when one party files a Complaint against another party, outlining the basis of the suit and why they are seeking damages. The defendant must then reply to the Complaint with an Answer answering any questions posed by the Plaintiff. The two parties can then meet to discuss out-of-court negotiations or proceed to a trial in front of a judge and/or jury. At the trial, witnesses may be called, evidence may be presented, closing statements may be made, and a verdict or settlement may be reached.
The effects of a civil case depend on the nature of the suit and the outcome of the proceedings. Generally, civil cases do not penalize parties with jail time, fines, or other criminal sentences; however, they may result in one side paying a financial compensation to the other. Furthermore, the consequences of a civil case can bring added attention to a company or individual, either positively or negatively.