The judicial system provides an avenue through which parties settle legal conflicts they can’t resolve themselves. Because these disputes range from dissolving marriages to enforcing business contracts, the civil justice system encompasses a wide variety of cases with many different tools for resolution. Understanding what civil litigation means and how it differs from criminal justice will dramatically improve your chances of success if you’re considering filing a suit.

Understanding Civil Litigation

Unlike the criminal justice system, a private individual or business must initiate a case, which is usually intended to compel the other party to take some action. Most commonly, claimants in a suit pursue monetary damages related to a physical injury or financial loss, but civil litigation is also used to force another party to honor the terms of a contract, cease a business activity, or enforce trademark law.

Types of Cases

Divorce is one of the most common types of civil cases, along with personal injury claims and contractual disputes. Injured parties may also sue a doctor for medical malpractice or file a suit against someone who damages their property. In many instances, civil litigation provides tools through which private organizations prohibit government actions that violate the law.

Outcomes of Civil Litigation

While a judge or jury presides over some of these cases, the civil justice system offers a variety of tools to achieve a peaceful resolution. Many people and legal professionals use arbitration, mediation, and pre-trial settlements to find mutually agreeable solutions to difficult problems and preserve relationships. Doing so is especially important in business or family law matters.

With their extensive civil litigation expertise and an experienced team of committed attorneys, PoindexterHill, P.C., has the resources to help with almost any legal situation. As one of Shenandoah Valley’s oldest and most respected law offices, they’ve been serving Waynesboro, VA, clients since 1976, establishing a long-standing tradition of excellence. Visit the website for more on their civil litigation services, or call (540) 943-1118 to discuss your case with an accomplished lawyer today.