Cases are brought to the civil court by individuals or organisations and sometimes local or central government to help settle a dispute. Civil cases are usually about people’s rights.
Generally, civil cases are not about breaking a criminal law. Criminal cases are brought to the court by the state or government to maintain law and order to protect society.
Examples of civil court cases
Civil court cases can be about:
disputes over business contracts or debts, including insolvency
disputes between neighbours
contracts
civil wrongs to people and property (called ‘torts’), such as negligence and nuisance
family proceedings
administrative law matters, such as appeals against decisions made by the Immigration Service.
Examples for Disputes Tribunal, District Court & High Court
Disputes Tribunal
The Disputes Tribunal hears claims that are for less than $60,000.
The District Court hears civil claims for less than $350,000. The claims often involve arguments over money and property and can include complex commercial transactions.
The High Court hears civil claims that are complex or for over $350,000. The claims often look at issues like company law, bankruptcy, the administration of estates and trusts, property transfer and land valuation.