Skip to main content

Civil

The Civil Division represents the United States, its agencies, offices and employees in district court and on appeal in a wide range of civil actions in both federal and state courts. Civil Division Assistant United States Attorneys defend employment discrimination cases, personal injury and wrongful death actions to include, medical malpractice suits, constitutional tort claims, injunctive and declaratory relief actions and challenges to agency actions such as the denial of social security benefits. The Civil Division defends decisions by the Department of Homeland Security to remove aliens from the United States. The Civil Division is responsible for all pro se prisoner litigation including claims of violations of constitutional rights while incarcerated as well as petitions for writs of habeas corpus. A very important aspect of the Division's commercial litigation duties is bankruptcy litigation which often results in the collection of money for the United States. The tremendous volume of civil litigation generated in the Southern District of Georgia arises because of the four major military installations in the District, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), a federal prison, and three Veterans Administration Medical Facilities. Representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and various federal law enforcement agencies are present in the district.

While the vast majority of civil litigation against the United States is filed in federal court, some cases are filed in state courts throughout Georgia. Our Division attorneys often enter limited appearances in state court for removal actions and to defend lien actions as well as land condemnation proceedings.

Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE)

The Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Section within the Civil Division seeks monetary recovery primarily using the False Claims Act and common law causes of action to recover money paid by the United States as a result of false and fraudulent claims having been submitted by individuals, contractors and vendors.

Financial Litigation Program (FLP)

The Financial Litigation Program (FLP) within the Civil Division seeks to collect debts owed to the United States by using the Federal Debt Collection Act and other common law and statutory remedies. In addition, the Financial Litigation Program collects criminal fines and restitution owed to non-federal victims of criminal activity. Finally, the Financial Litigation Program accepts referrals directly from federal agencies to collect civil penalties and other debts imposed upon individuals, companies and other entities pursuant to authorized federal statute and regulation.

Updated May 5, 2021