What action can a court take if it finds a civil suit to be frivolous?

When a court finds a civil suit to be frivolous, it has the authority to either dismiss the case or impose sanctions on the party that filed the suit. A frivolous lawsuit is typically one that lacks any legal basis or merit and is often seen as an abuse of the judicial process. By dismissing such cases, the court not only conserves its resources but also discourages individuals from filing baseless claims that can waste time and effort for all parties involved, including the court itself.

Sanctions may include financial penalties or bar the plaintiff from filing additional lawsuits without the court’s permission. This serves as a deterrent against misuse of the court system, ensuring that only legitimate cases are pursued. The possibility of dismissing a frivolous lawsuit or imposing sanctions underscores the court's role in maintaining the integrity of the legal system by preventing unwarranted or malicious litigation.