In the context of litigation, what is the meaning of “court costs”?

The term "court costs" refers to the expenses that can be awarded in litigation, which generally include court fees and disbursements incurred during the course of the legal proceedings. This encompasses a variety of expenses associated with the litigation process, such as filing fees, fees for serving documents, and costs related to obtaining evidence or expert testimony. Essentially, court costs provide a financial reflection of the resources required to prosecute or defend a case in court.

This understanding helps clarify why "court costs" is not solely limited to the fees charged for legal representation or specific pre-trial expenses, nor does it pertain to fines imposed by a judge, which are not considered costs of litigation but rather penalties for certain misconduct or violations. By recognizing that court costs encompass a broader range of expenses, one can better appreciate their role in the overall litigation process.