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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 Illinois, 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, torts (like personal injury cases), property, family law (including divorce and custody), 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 Illinois court system is structured with Circuit Courts at the trial level, which handle the majority of civil cases, and the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court for appeals. Each county in Illinois has its own circuit court, and complex civil matters may be heard in specialized divisions, such as the Law Division or Chancery Division in larger circuits like Cook County.

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Courts

civil courts

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Courts

civil courts

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