civil action

American  

[siv-uhl ak-shuhn] / ˈsɪv əl ˈæk ʃən /

noun

Law.

1. a noncriminal lawsuit regarding an alleged violation of someone’s rights.

   When he started his own business and solicited his former employer’s clients, the employer filed a civil action against him.

   Some states require litigants in civil actions to go through alternative dispute resolution first.

---

Example Sentences

The first minister also said the SNP would begin civil action against Murrell, which could be used in the event that the party does not recoup its funds through the criminal court.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

When you have removed your aunt’s attorney through court proceedings, you can pursue a civil action.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Under the bill, a union representative alleging a violation can bring a civil action to “obtain damages.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Kuhn said that under the state’s Unfair Competition Law, the county counsel’s office does not need a formal vote of the Board of Supervisors to proceed with a civil action.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

Law enforcement officers generally have no personal resources to pay damages to victims of misconduct, so the city, county, or agency that employs them is typically the target of any civil action that seeks compensation.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson