Final answer:
The two major categories of civil lawsuits are Torts and Contracts, where one party alleges harm by another, differing from criminal cases prosecuted by the government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two major categories of civil lawsuits in terms of the cause of action involved are A. Torts and Contracts. In civil law cases, one private party alleges harm or injury due to the actions of another party, and these disputes typically fall under these two categories.
A tort is a wrongful act leading to legal liability and encompasses claims such as negligence, intentional torts, and defamation. Contract disputes arise when there is an allegation that one party has breached a legally-binding agreement.
Civil lawsuits differ from criminal cases, where the government prosecutes individuals for acts that are considered offenses against society at large, and where defendants face potential loss of liberty. Criminal cases are categorized into misdemeanors and felonies based on the seriousness of the offense. This distinction is crucial as civil and criminal cases have different burdens of proof and potential consequences.