civil court

American  

noun

1. a court of law in which civil cases are tried and determined.

2. a secular court as opposed to an ecclesiastical or military court.

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Etymology

Origin of civil court

First recorded in 1550–1600

Example Sentences

It would open up a new path for citizens to sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights, because although local and state authorities can be personally sued, the ability to hold a federal officer accountable in civil court is much narrower right now.

From Los Angeles Times

The victim, known as Miss M, sued Stephen Coxen for damages in a civil court and won.

From BBC

Although there doesn’t have to be a guilty verdict by a judge or a jury, or a guilty plea from the accused, there must be some finding by a criminal or civil court of an intentional and felonious killing.

From Salon

A civil court hearing to determine whether the shooting was lawful self-defense is set to begin Feb. 17.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because the case was tried in civil court, Lopez does not meet the legal threshold to be automatically removed from the council — which would require him to be convicted of a criminal felony.

From Los Angeles Times