civil court

noun

1. a court of law in which civil cases are tried and determined. civil law ( def 1 ).
2. a secular court as opposed to an ecclesiastical or military court.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil court¹

First recorded in 1550–1600

Example Sentences

Homeless people with certain psychiatric diagnoses can be subjected to involuntary treatment through “a compassionate civil court process.”

From Salon

Wade overturned, findings of liability for sexual abuse in civil court and criminal indictments.

From Salon

George Gascón is also locked in more than a dozen civil court battles with employees.

From Los Angeles Times

The penalties could be per customer or per bottle — the case will be prosecuted in civil court by the County Counsel’s Affirmative Litigation and Consumer Protection Division.

From Los Angeles Times

Her government had just conceded a civil court case to Alex Salmond, paying him half a million pounds in costs, and the first minister ordered a review of her dealings with her predecessor.

From BBC