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 Mexico, 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 (civil wrongs like negligence), property, family law (such as divorce and custody), and probate matters. Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes violations of criminal law, civil cases typically revolve around claims for damages or specific performance. The New Mexico court system has different levels of civil courts, including the Metropolitan Courts (for limited jurisdiction cases), District Courts (for general jurisdiction cases), and the New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court for appellate review. The amount in controversy and the specific subject matter of the dispute typically determine which court has jurisdiction. Civil proceedings in New Mexico are governed by the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, and parties are often represented by attorneys who advocate on their behalf.