Rule 120 “Civil action” includes civil proceedings.

The term "civil action" in California's Evidence Code covers more than just lawsuits between people or companies. It also includes other types of civil legal proceedings, like hearings or other formal court processes that are not criminal cases.

This matters because rules about evidence apply to a wider range of situations than just traditional trials. If you are part of any civil court process in California, the evidence rules still apply to you.