A civil action is one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong. (Rule 1, Sec. 3)
May either be ordinary (Rules 1-56) or special (Rules 62-71) ; both are governed by the rules for ordinary actions, subject to the specific rules prescribed for special civil actions.
What are special civil actions?
A special civil action is one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong, but subject to specific rules. Examples: interpleader, declaratory relief, certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, eminent domain, foreclosure or mortgage, partition, forcible entry, unlawful detainer and contempt.
What are criminal actions?
A criminal action is one by which the State prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishable by law.
Civil Actions v. Special Proceedings
"Special proceedings" is a remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, a right or a particular fact.
Personal Actions v. Real Actions
The distinction between personal actions and real actions is important in the determination of the venue of the case.
