Civil courts hear civil matters—which are generally lawsuits regarding disputes between persons or entities in which money, property, or personal rights under the law are at issue. Civil matters are distinguishable from criminal matters, which generally involve a city, state, or federal government prosecuting a person or entity for the commission of a crime.
In Alabama, civil courts are responsible for adjudicating non-criminal disputes between parties, which may include individuals, businesses, or other entities. These disputes often involve issues such as contracts, property, personal injury, family law, and other matters where the parties seek monetary damages, equitable relief, or the enforcement of legal rights. Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes violations of criminal law, civil cases are typically initiated by a plaintiff seeking remedy from a defendant. The Alabama court system includes District Courts, Circuit Courts, and specialized courts like Probate and Family Courts, each with its own jurisdiction over certain types of civil matters. District Courts generally handle less serious matters and smaller claims, while Circuit Courts address larger and more complex cases. Decisions from these courts can be appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and ultimately to the Alabama Supreme Court.