Civil Actions


A civil case may arise when the actions of an individual or a group cause harm to another, who then goes to court seeking compensation for that harm. The injured party, called the plaintiff or complainant, asks the court to grant damages in the form of a payment of money. In some jurisdictions, if either party in the case requests it, a jury may hear the trial. If neither party requests a jury, the judge renders judgment after hearing both sides. In most civil actions the party who brings the action must present a preponderance of the evidence or the action will fail.

Related entries