Civil litigation

Civil litigation is a legal process in which criminal charges and penalties are not at issue. When two or more parties become embroiled in such a non-criminal legal dispute, the case is presented at a trial where plaintiffs seek compensation or other damages from defendants.

The standard of proof is less stringent in civil proceedings as opposed to criminal proceedings. To win their cases, attorneys in civil cases must meet the preponderance of evidence standard, meaning they must simply present more convincing evidence to a judge or jury than their opposition. Whereas prosecutors in criminal trials must also present convincing evidence but to prevail, they must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt