civil action

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   In the United States, a lawsuit between private parties, including an action by a private person against a government entity, which will be treated as a private party by the court.
2. 2
   In Roman Dutch law, a lawsuit that is not criminal in nature. It may be between the state and a private party. It is usually based in contract, or delict (tort).