Which type of litigation involves disputes between individuals or individuals and the state?

Civil litigation encompasses legal disputes that arise between individuals or between individuals and the state that do not involve criminal charges. This type of litigation focuses on issues such as contracts, torts, property disputes, and family law matters, among others. In civil litigation, the party seeking relief (the plaintiff) typically seeks to recover damages or enforce a legal right, and the resolution is often achieved through financial compensation or specific performance rather than through punishment.

Discussing the other types of litigation provides additional context. Criminal action involves legal proceedings brought by the state against an individual accused of violating criminal laws, where the focus is on enforcing public laws and punishing offenders. Administrative action refers to disputes involving governmental agencies and the regulatory framework, where individuals may contest decisions made by agencies. Federal litigation specifically pertains to cases adjudicated at the federal level, often involving federal law or constitutional issues, which can overlap with but is distinct from civil matters that are handled at various levels of court. Therefore, civil litigation is the correct designation for disputes between individuals or between an individual and the state unrelated to criminal conduct.