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 Vermont, 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. Vermont's civil court system includes the Superior Court, which handles most civil matters, and the Small Claims Court for cases involving limited monetary amounts (up to $5,000 as of the knowledge cutoff date). Appeals from these courts can be taken to the Vermont Supreme Court. The procedures and rules governing civil litigation in Vermont are outlined in the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure.