Civil Law Glossary

Failure by a party to perform their obligations under a legally binding agreement.

The obligation on a party to establish their case, typically on the plaintiff in civil litigation.

The requirement that the defendant's action or omission must be the actual and proximate cause of the plaintiff's harm.

The body of law governing non-criminal disputes between private parties, including contracts, torts, property, and family law.

A lawsuit in which a group of people with similar claims collectively sues a defendant.

A doctrine that allocates fault among parties and reduces a plaintiff's recovery by their percentage of responsibility.

Monetary awards designed to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses suffered.

The initial pleading filed by a plaintiff that sets forth the facts and legal basis for the lawsuit.

Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, required for the contract to be legally enforceable.

A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.

Monetary compensation awarded to a party who has suffered loss or injury due to another's wrongful act.

A false statement presented as fact that injures a person's reputation, encompassing both libel and slander.

The party against whom a civil lawsuit is filed.

The pre-trial process by which parties obtain evidence and information from each other.

The legal obligation to act with reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm to others.

A body of law developed alongside common law to provide remedies (such as injunctions) when legal remedies are inadequate.

An obligation to act in the best interest of another party in a relationship of trust.

A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specified act.

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, based on geography, subject matter, or the parties involved.

The failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.

The party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.

Damages awarded beyond compensation to punish egregious conduct and deter future wrongdoing.

A doctrine preventing re-litigation of a claim that has already been finally adjudicated.

The legally prescribed time period within which a lawsuit must be filed after the cause of action arises.

A civil wrong, other than breach of contract, that causes harm and gives rise to a claim for damages.