What Are Civil Matters in Law? A Simple Guide

When you hear about legal cases, the first things that often come to mind are dramatic courtroom scenes from criminal trials. However, the legal system handles a vast array of disputes that have nothing to do with criminal charges. These are known as civil matters, and they form the backbone of our justice system, resolving conflicts that arise in our everyday lives, from business deals to personal injuries.

Understanding civil law is essential for both individuals and businesses. It governs our agreements, protects our rights, and provides a formal process for resolving disputes when things go wrong. If you’ve ever signed a contract, been involved in a car accident, or dealt with a landlord-tenant issue, you’ve encountered the world of civil law. 

Jacobs & Dow, LLC, will walk you through what civil matters are, the common types of disputes, and how we can help.

Key Characteristics of Civil Matters

Civil matters are fundamentally different from criminal cases. While criminal law involves the government prosecuting someone for a public offense (like theft or assault), civil law addresses private disputes between individuals, businesses, or other organizations.

Here are the core characteristics that define a civil case:

• Parties Involved: The person who initiates the lawsuit is called the plaintiff. They claim to have been harmed by the actions of another party, known as the defendant.
• Burden of Proof: In a civil case, the plaintiff has the burden of proof. They must prove their case by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This standard means it is more likely than not that their claims are true. This is a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” requirement in criminal cases.
• Remedies Available: The goal of a civil lawsuit is not to imprison someone but to provide a remedy for the harm caused. Common remedies include:
  • Monetary Damages: Financial compensation paid to the plaintiff for losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
  • Injunctions: A court order requiring a party to do something or to stop doing something.
  • Specific Performance: A court order requiring a party to fulfill their obligations under a contract.

Common Types of Civil Matters

Civil law is a broad field that covers many different types of disputes. Here are some of the most common areas.

1. Breach of Contract

This is one of the most frequent types of civil litigation. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement. A breach occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations without a valid legal excuse. Remedies for a breach of contract can include forcing the breaching party to pay damages or requiring them to complete the terms of the agreement.

2. Torts (Personal Injury)

A tort is a wrongful act that causes harm to another person, leading to civil legal liability. Tort cases are not based on contracts but on a duty of care that we owe to one another. Common types of torts include:

• Negligence: The most common type of tort, where harm is caused by someone’s carelessness, such as in a car accident or a slip-and-fall incident.
• Intentional Torts: When a person intentionally acts in a way that harms another, like in cases of defamation, libel, slander, or assault.
• Strict Liability: In some cases, a defendant can be held liable for harm regardless of fault, such as in cases involving defective products.

3. Property Disputes

These disputes involve conflicts over real property (land and buildings) or personal property (possessions). Examples include boundary disputes between neighbors, landlord-tenant disagreements over rent or evictions, and conflicts over ownership.

Why You Need Legal Representation

The civil legal system is complex. Having an experienced attorney is crucial for protecting your rights and interests. A skilled lawyer can help you:

• Evaluate the merits of your case.
• Gather and present evidence effectively.
• Navigate procedural requirements and deadlines.
• Negotiate a favorable settlement.
• Represent you in court if a trial becomes necessary.

Choosing the right attorney is vital. Look for a firm with a strong track record in the specific area of civil law relevant to your case, whether it’s business litigation, personal injury, or family law.

Secure Your Legal Standing

Understanding civil matters empowers you to recognize when your rights have been violated and what steps you can take to seek a remedy. Whether you are an individual facing a personal injury or a business dealing with a contract dispute, the civil justice system provides a path to resolution.

At Jacobs & Dow, LLC, our business litigation attorneys have been helping Connecticut clients solve legal problems for over 60 years. We provide sophisticated, cost-effective representation in a wide range of civil disputes. 

To discuss your case and the legal options available to you, contact our firm today. In addition to weekday office hours, our New Haven law firm is open for client meetings on Saturday mornings and by appointment on Sundays, holidays, and evenings.