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 North Dakota, 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 typically involve private parties seeking to resolve legal disagreements. The North Dakota court system includes District Courts that handle most civil matters, and the North Dakota Supreme Court, which serves as the highest appellate court for civil appeals. Small claims courts also handle civil cases involving limited monetary amounts, providing a more informal and expedited process. The specific procedures and rules governing civil litigation in North Dakota are outlined in the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure.