Iowa Code § 611.2: Civil and special actions.

1. A civil action is a proceeding in a court of justice in which one party, known as the plaintiff, demands against another party, known as the defendant, the enforcement or protection of a private right, or the prevention or redress of a private wrong. It may also be brought for the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture.

2. Every other proceeding in a civil case is a special action.