What is a common outcome sought by plaintiffs in a civil trial?

In a civil trial, one of the primary outcomes that plaintiffs seek is monetary compensation. This is often referred to as damages, which is a financial award intended to compensate the plaintiff for the harm or loss suffered due to the defendant's actions or negligence. Plaintiffs generally bring a civil suit to resolve disputes over issues like contracts, personal injuries, property damage, or defamation, where they believe they have been wronged and are entitled to receive financial restitution for their losses.

In contrast, restitution of property can be a goal in some cases, particularly in disputes involving ownership or theft, but it is more common in specific contexts rather than a general aim of all civil trials. The imprisonment of a defendant is primarily a remedy sought in criminal trials, not civil ones. A public apology, while it can be a component of a resolution in some civil cases, is not as common or as sought after as monetary damages; plaintiffs typically focus on receiving compensation for their grievances. Therefore, seeking monetary compensation accurately encapsulates the common goal of plaintiffs in civil trials.