Causes of action in civil litigation are specific claims provided by law that serve as the basis for parties to a lawsuit to recover money or property from each other—or to provide other legal or equitable relief, such as a court order requiring or prohibiting some act (injunctive relief). Examples of causes of action include breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. Causes of action (also called claims) are usually located in a state or federal statute, or in court opinions (common law).

In Arkansas, causes of action in civil litigation are the legal grounds on which a plaintiff bases their lawsuit to seek remedies such as monetary compensation, restitution, or injunctive relief. These causes of action can arise from violations of state statutes, breaches of contracts, or torts such as negligence, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty. Arkansas, like other states, has a body of statutory law that outlines specific causes of action, such as the Arkansas Code, and also relies on common law, which is developed through court decisions and precedents. For instance, a breach of contract claim in Arkansas would be based on the failure of one party to fulfill their obligations as outlined in a contract, while a negligence claim would require the plaintiff to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused damages as a result. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to understand the specific legal requirements for each cause of action to effectively present their case or defend against a claim.