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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 Missouri, 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 (e.g., personal injury), property, family law (e.g., divorce, 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. Missouri's civil court system is structured with various levels, including associate circuit courts for smaller claims and circuit courts for larger and more complex cases. Appeals from these courts can be taken to the Missouri Court of Appeals and, in some instances, to the Missouri Supreme Court. The rules governing civil litigation in Missouri are outlined in the Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure, and these courts operate under the principle of providing a fair and impartial forum for the resolution of disputes.

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Courts

civil courts

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Missouri State Code

Courts

civil courts

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