Select your state

Civil litigation

Civil litigation is the legal process (usually in court, but also in arbitration or mediation) in which civil disputes involving money and property rights are resolved—usually by a judge, jury, or arbitrator.

Civil litigation is in contrast to criminal litigation in which a prosecutor—representing a city, state, or the federal government—prosecutes a person or entity for criminal acts (crimes) with punishment ranging from fines and penalties to jail or prison time and death sentences.

In Louisiana, civil litigation encompasses the legal proceedings where parties seek to resolve non-criminal disputes involving money, property rights, or other personal rights. This process can take place in state courts, with the possibility of appeals to higher courts, or through alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation. Unlike criminal litigation, where the government prosecutes individuals or entities for violations of criminal law, civil litigation is typically between private parties, though the government can also be a party in civil cases. The outcomes in civil cases are usually compensatory in nature, such as monetary damages or specific performance of a contract, rather than punitive criminal sentences. Louisiana's civil litigation procedures are governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, and cases are initially filed in the appropriate district court, depending on the nature of the dispute and the amount in controversy.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Legal Services for Less than 99¢ a Day

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Learn More

Legal articles related to this topic

How to File a Lawsuit—and Determining Whether You Should

Lawsuits are not merely about the facts; they're deeply entrenched in procedural and substantive legal nuances. This means it’s not just a matter of knowing how to file a lawsuit; legal action also requires the right representation.

What is Legal "Standing"? A Brief Overview

If you've ever wondered why some people can sue over a particular matter while others can't, you've touched the tip of the legal standing iceberg. Let's dive deeper into this legal concept, its significance, and its look at some recent cases.

Louisiana State Code

We have updated our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures.

Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal insurance products you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.

LegalFix provides its members with access to legal services through a network of provider law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.

The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our provider law firms.

You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your provider law firm.

The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.

Use of this website, the purchase of legal insurance products, and access to the LegalFix network of provider law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.