civil case

A civil case is a non-criminal legal dispute between private parties, typically involving rights and obligations under the U.S. Constitution, federal law, state law, or common law. Common types of civil cases include those involving breach of contract, torts such as negligence, probate, divorce, and intellectual property disputes like copyright infringement.

A civil case begins when a person or entity (the plaintiff) files a complaint alleging that another person or entity (the defendant) has failed to meet a legal duty owed to the plaintiff. Both the plaintiff and defendant are referred to as parties or litigants. The plaintiff may seek a court order requiring the defendant to fulfill an obligation, provide monetary compensation, or both.

[Last reviewed in July of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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