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What types of disputes are decided in civil courts?

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Wood-paneled courtroom with judge's bench, American and Nevada flags, wooden chairs and tables, and a mounted animal head above the bench in the Esmeralda County courthouse, Goldfield, Nevada. — Court Judge's bench in a courtroom in Nevada, U.S.

Civil courts are designed to resolve "private" controversies, typically involving disputes between individuals, private businesses, or institutions. Unlike criminal proceedings, where the public is a party to the litigation, civil courts provide a forum for the peaceful and impartial resolution of private disagreements.1

Common types of disputes decided in civil courts include:

Contractual disagreements: Disputes over the terms, existence, or legal binding nature of agreements.21
Torts and negligence: Cases involving physical injury or death resulting from negligence, as well as property damage.31
Defamation: Claims regarding libel or slander.3
Administrative matters: Courts often handle uncontested matters, such as the adoption of children, the distribution of assets in trusts and estates, and the establishment of corporations.2
Family law: Issues such as divorce, child custody, and support, which are frequently resolved through court-approved agreements.2

The primary objective of a civil action is to restore the parties to the position they would have occupied had no legal wrong occurred, typically through monetary damages or injunctions rather than punishment.1