Legal Definitions - civil term

A civil term refers to a designated period during which a court or judicial body conducts its business related to civil law matters. This typically involves hearing cases, motions, and other proceedings that do not involve criminal charges, such as disputes between individuals, organizations, or government entities. It marks a specific segment of the judicial calendar dedicated to non-criminal litigation.

• Example 1: Court Session Schedule

  The State Supreme Court announced its "Spring Civil Term" would run from March 1st to May 31st, during which it would prioritize hearing appeals concerning contract disputes, property rights, and administrative law challenges. This meant that all arguments scheduled within this timeframe would pertain exclusively to non-criminal matters.

  This example illustrates a specific, fixed period (March 1st to May 31st) that the court has formally set aside for addressing civil legal issues, distinguishing it from periods dedicated to criminal cases or other judicial business.

• Example 2: Judicial Assignment

  After being appointed, Judge Eleanor Vance was assigned to serve a two-year "civil term" in the District Court. Her primary responsibilities during this period involved presiding over cases such as personal injury claims, business litigation, and family law matters, rather than felony trials or misdemeanor hearings.

  Here, "civil term" refers to a defined duration (two years) of a judge's service specifically dedicated to handling civil cases, indicating a specialized focus within the broader judicial system.

• Example 3: Local Court Calendar

  The local county courthouse publishes its annual calendar, noting that "the first three weeks of every quarter are designated as the Civil Term." During these weeks, courtrooms are exclusively used for civil proceedings like small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and probate hearings, ensuring a dedicated block of time for these types of cases.

  This example demonstrates a recurring, specific period within a court's operational cycle that is consistently allocated solely for civil legal matters, streamlining the processing of non-criminal cases.