Who typically initiates civil litigation?

A private party typically initiates civil litigation because civil cases are primarily disputes between individuals or entities that seek a legal resolution, often involving personal injury, contract disputes, or property issues. In a civil lawsuit, the private party who feels wronged, known as the plaintiff, files a complaint against another party, called the defendant, seeking compensation or some other form of relief.

The government is generally not involved in civil litigation unless it is acting on behalf of individuals or in cases such as consumer protection. Corporations can also initiate civil litigation, but they are considered private parties in this context, so selecting "a private party" encompasses both individuals and corporations. The court itself does not initiate litigation; it serves as a neutral entity that adjudicates disputes brought before it by the parties involved. Thus, "a private party" is the most accurate answer, capturing the essence of who generally starts a civil lawsuit.