Civil litigation is the legal process (usually in court, but also in arbitration or mediation) in which civil disputes involving money and property rights are resolved—usually by a judge, jury, or arbitrator.

Civil litigation is in contrast to criminal litigation in which a prosecutor—representing a city, state, or the federal government—prosecutes a person or entity for criminal acts (crimes) with punishment ranging from fines and penalties to jail or prison time and death sentences.

In Massachusetts, civil litigation encompasses the legal proceedings where parties seek to resolve non-criminal disputes in a formal setting. This can involve disputes over contracts, property, personal injury, and a wide array of other issues where the plaintiff seeks monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions. Civil cases can be heard by a judge or a jury and may also be resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation. The Massachusetts court system includes the Superior Court, District Court, and specialized courts like the Probate and Family Court, Land Court, and Housing Court, each handling different types of civil matters. Unlike criminal litigation, where the government prosecutes violations of criminal law, civil litigation is typically between private parties, though the government can also be a party in civil cases. The process is governed by the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure, which outline the procedures for filing cases, serving parties, conducting discovery, and the trial process.