Civil justice describes the system of the administration of justice in civil matters. The law of civil procedure is the law that governs lawsuits, that is, civil actions, among private parties.

Whether in the United States, Germany, or Korea, the course of a civil action is simply stated and similar in outline. One person feels aggrieved by another person. Usually before bringing a lawsuit, the aggrieved person asks the other to make the matter right. Only if the latter fails to make the matter right does the aggrieved person take the matter to court.

The aggrieved person, that is, the plaintiff, commences a civil action with a formal complaint. The complaint declares a claim against one or more defendants. It asserts the plaintiff’s right, defendant’s duty, or both, and asks the court to recognize and enforce the rights or duties claimed. Upon officially receiving the complaint, the defendant has three principal alternatives: comply with the claim, ignore the claim and accept a judgment by default, or contest the claim.