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 York, civil courts handle a wide range of disputes between individuals or entities, where the primary focus is on resolving issues related to money, property, or personal rights. These matters do not involve criminal charges but rather pertain to civil liabilities and responsibilities under the law. The New York State Unified Court System includes several levels of civil courts, such as the Civil Court of the City of New York, which handles cases with claims up to $25,000, and the Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction over civil cases. Additionally, there are specialized courts like Family Court and Surrogate's Court that deal with specific types of civil matters. Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes violations of criminal law, civil cases typically involve private parties seeking to enforce or defend their legal rights through legal remedies such as monetary damages or specific performance.