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What is a civil lawsuit or civil action?
A civil lawsuit is a private legal action between two or more parties addressing a legally recognizable dispute.
Next Article: Parties to Litigation Return to: CIVIL LITIGATION
What are the types of civil lawsuit?
A civil lawsuit can be grounded in tort, contract, property, or family law. One or more of the parties have allegedly suffered a harm or loss as a result of the actions or inactions of the other party. Those parties are seeking resolution of the legal dispute and an enforceable remedy from the court.
Discussion Question
Why do you think the government provides a method by which individuals can settle disputes among themselves? Do you think litigation is an effective method of achieving these objectives?
- The ability to settle ones disputes through an authoritative court of law is a cornerstone of rule of law. It allows for the orderly administration of society, while providing confidence in carrying on economic activity. Some would say that litigation is not the most effective form, as a jury of ones peers often make decisions based upon emotion and lack of understanding of the law. Others would argue that this is the most fair way of approaching a dispute. It takes away the subjective authority of a single individual (a Judge or Arbiter) and places it into the hands of ones peers.
Related Topics
- Civil Litigation Procedure (Intro)
- What is a civil lawsuit or civil action?
- Who are the parties to a lawsuit?
- What is standing to sue?
- Venue
- What is personal jurisdiction?
- What is a class action?
- What are the pleadings?
- What is discovery?
- What is the scope of discovery?
- What are motions and how are they used?
- What are frivolous cases?
- Barratry
- What is the process of selecting a jury?
- What are the steps involved in a civil trial?
- What is the burden of proof in a civil trial?
- How is a civil trial decided?
- Adjudication
- Default Judgment
- Stipulated Judgment
- Equitable Defenses
- Equitable Relief
- Doctrine of Clean Hands
- Compensatory Damages
- Punitive Damages
- Replevin
- What is joint and several liability?
- Judgment Proof
- What is the process for appeal?
- Amicus Curiae Brief
- How do parties enforce a civil judgment?
- Levy
- Garnishment
- Writ of Attachment
- Writ of Execution
- Writ of Seizure and Sale
- Sheriff's Sale
- What is res judicata
