Definition of "civil action" [civil action]

• : In the United States, a lawsuit between private parties, including an action by a private person against a government entity, which will be treated as a private party by the court (noun)
• Roman Dutch Law: a lawsuit which is not criminal in nature. It may be between the state and a private party. It is usually based in contract, or delict (tort). (noun)

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• "It was a civil action brought by Miss Travers, who claimed L2,000 damages for a libel written by Lady Wilde to her father, Dr. Travers."