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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 Oregon, 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 various other legal 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 from a defendant. The Oregon circuit courts serve as the general jurisdiction courts for civil matters, while small claims courts handle smaller monetary disputes. The specific procedures and rules governing civil litigation in Oregon are outlined in the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) and relevant state statutes.

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Courts

civil courts

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Oregon State Code

Oregon State Code

Courts

civil courts

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