A civil case is a non-criminal lawsuit that involves a private dispute between two or more people. Civil cases can involve a variety of issues, including:
Property
Disputes over property rights, such as breach of contract, probate, or landlord-tenant disputes
Housing
Issues related to housing, such as eviction, foreclosure, or fixing bad living conditions
Injuries
Claims for compensation for injuries caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, or environmental harm
Marriage and children
Disputes over divorce, child custody, child support, or guardianship
Class actions
Lawsuits filed by a large group of people against a defendant, often a large organization or corporation
A civil lawsuit begins with a complaint, which is the plaintiff's allegation against the defendant and a request for relief. A court can make a decision in a civil case, and that decision can be appealed.