A civil lawsuit is a legal dispute between individuals or organizations where one party claims to have been harmed by the actions of another. These cases typically involve issues like contracts, property disputes, or personal injuries. The party bringing the lawsuit, known as the plaintiff, seeks compensation or specific actions from the other party, called the defendant. In a civil lawsuit, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, who must demonstrate their case by a "preponderance of the evidence." If the court finds in favor of the plaintiff, the defendant may be ordered to pay damages or fulfill other obligations. Civil lawsuits are distinct from criminal cases, which involve offenses against the state.