What about the government's need to move forward in the civil case?

There were 1,567 such civil cases last year, up from 969 in 1988.

Last year, 4,569 civil cases were tried in federal court.

In addition, 5,600 civil cases are still to be tried.

Until now the largest number of civil cases sent to the department was 342 in 1986.

At least 50 percent of the civil cases are family related.

"All the decision means is that the civil case can go forward now," he said.

Less than 5 percent of the civil cases reached trial in 1986.

They are the first court level for most civil and criminal cases.

The assessment of court costs is common in civil cases.