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 Montana, 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 for a perceived wrong by a defendant. The Montana court system includes District Courts, which are the primary trial courts for civil matters, and the Montana Supreme Court, which serves as the appellate court for civil cases. Small claims courts in Montana handle minor civil disputes involving limited monetary amounts. The specific procedures and rules governing civil litigation in Montana are outlined in the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure and various state statutes.