What is the term for a civil action brought before a court?

A civil action brought before a court is referred to as a lawsuit. This term encompasses a broad range of legal disputes where one party, known as the plaintiff, makes a claim against another party, known as the defendant. The lawsuit process includes the filing of a complaint, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial, where both parties present their case to a judge or jury. The primary purpose of a lawsuit is to resolve disputes and seek remedy for grievances, typically involving issues such as contracts, property disputes, and torts.

In contrast, a criminal trial involves the government prosecuting an individual for violating criminal laws, meaning it deals with actions that are considered offenses against society rather than private disputes. Arbitration and mediation are alternative dispute resolution methods where parties work to resolve their issues outside of court. In arbitration, a neutral third party makes a binding decision, while mediation involves a facilitator assisting the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement. Therefore, the term "lawsuit" is the correct designation for a civil action taken in a judicial environment.