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Simple English definitions for legal terms
civil action
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A quick definition of civil action:
A civil action is when someone sues another person or company because they believe they have been wronged. This is different from a criminal case, which is when the government prosecutes someone for breaking the law. In a civil case, the person who starts the lawsuit is called the plaintiff, and the person being sued is called the defendant. Common reasons for a civil case include breaking a contract, hurting someone, or saying something untrue about them. To win, the plaintiff must show how they were hurt and how the defendant caused it, and ask the court to help them by giving them money or making the defendant stop doing something.
A more thorough explanation:
A civil action is a type of lawsuit that does not involve criminal charges. It usually involves private parties, where the plaintiff (the person filing the complaint) is seeking some form of relief from the defendant (the person defending against the complaint's allegations). Civil law governs civil actions, while criminal law governs criminal actions.
- A breach of contract: If one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract, the other party can file a civil action to seek damages.
- Battery: If someone intentionally harms another person, the victim can file a civil action to seek compensation for their injuries.
- Defamation: If someone makes false statements that harm another person's reputation, the victim can file a civil action to seek damages.
- Violation of federal statutes and constitutional rights: If someone's rights have been violated, they can file a civil action to seek relief.
These examples illustrate how a civil action can be used to seek compensation or relief for harm caused by another person. In each case, the plaintiff is seeking some form of compensation or relief from the defendant, and the court will decide whether the plaintiff's claims are valid and what type of relief is appropriate.