Civil Harassment
/ˈsɪvəl hærəsˌsmɛnt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal cause of action or protective order relating to acts of harassment or disturbing behavior that do not necessarily constitute criminal conduct but cause substantial emotional distress or fear.
The victim filed a request for a civil harassment restraining order to stop the neighbor's threatening behavior.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Civil harassment claims typically require proving a pattern of harassing conduct and are distinct from criminal harassment; protective orders issued under civil harassment statutes help prevent further abuse without criminal prosecution.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.