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 New Jersey, 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 (such as divorce and child custody), and other matters where the parties seek monetary damages, equitable relief, or the enforcement of legal rights. The New Jersey court system is structured with the Superior Court handling most civil matters, which is divided into the Law Division and the Chancery Division. The Law Division generally handles cases where the primary relief sought is monetary, while the Chancery Division deals with cases that require equitable relief, such as injunctions or specific performance. Small claims matters, typically involving disputes under a certain monetary threshold, are handled in the Special Civil Part of the Law Division. Appeals from the Superior Court are heard by the Appellate Division, and the New Jersey Supreme Court is the state's highest court, which may choose to hear appeals on significant legal issues. Civil cases in New Jersey are governed by the New Jersey Rules of Court, which establish the procedures for filing, discovery, trials, and appeals.