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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 South Carolina, 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 are typically initiated by a plaintiff seeking remedy for a perceived wrong. South Carolina's civil court system is structured with the Magistrate's Courts handling minor civil disputes, often involving claims up to a specific monetary limit, and the Circuit Courts, which include the Court of Common Pleas, handling larger and more complex cases. Appeals from these courts can be taken to the South Carolina Court of Appeals and, ultimately, the South Carolina Supreme Court.

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Courts

civil courts

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Courts

civil courts

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