Purposes of a Civil Action

Sources:

• Civil Procedure II – Riano

CIVIL ACTIONS

A civil action is one where a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong.

PURPOSES OF A CIVIL ACTION

• Enforcement or protection of a right
• Prevention or redress of a wrong

KINDS OF CIVIL ACTIONS

• Ordinary civil action
• Special civil action.

Both ordinary and special civil actions are governed by the rules for ordinary civil actions, but there are specific rules prescribed for a special civil action.

DISTINCTIONS: Ordinary Civil Actions vs. Special Civil Actions

1. Ordinary civil actions must be based on a cause of action. There are special civil actions where a cause of action is relevant. Ex: declaratory relief, interpleader

1. In ordinary civil actions, venue is determined by either the residences of the parties (personal actions) or by location of the property (real actions). Such dichotomy is not always applicable to special civil actions. Ex. Petition for quo warranto

1. Ordinary civil actions may be filed initially in either the MTC or RTC depending on the jurisdictional amount or nature of the action involved. There are special civil actions which can only be commenced in the MTC (forcible entry, unlawful detainer) or in the RTC only (certiorari, prohibition, mandamus)

1. In ordinary civil actions, the clerk of court issues summons upon filing of the complaint and payment of requisite legal fees. This does not always apply to special civil actions (certiorari, prohibition, mandamus)

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