Russian civil procedure is characterised by the existence of two
systems of courts hearing civil matters: arbitrazh courts and
courts of common jurisdiction. Civil procedure in arbitrazh courts
is governed by the Arbitrazh Procedural Code ("APC"),
whereas the procedure in courts of common jurisdiction is governed
by the Civil Procedural Code ("CPC").
Arbitrazh courts are generally competent to hear cases involving
economic or business disputes. At the same time, unless Russian
statutes provide otherwise1, arbitrazh courts hear such
disputes only when the dispute involves legal entities and
individuals registered as entrepreneurs. Courts of common
jurisdiction hear all those disputes that do not fall under the
competence of arbitrazh courts. Therefore, disputes involving
private individuals are normally heard by courts of common
jurisdiction.
