Civil law deals with non-criminal disputes between individuals, organizations, or both. Civil law cases typically involve legal conflicts where one party seeks compensation, performance, or the enforcement of rights rather than criminal penalties. Common types of civil cases include disputes over contracts, property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, family matters like divorce and child custody, inheritance claims, and personal injury due to negligence.
The process in a civil case usually begins when a plaintiff files a complaint against a defendant, outlining the legal harm or loss suffered. The case proceeds through various stages such as pleadings, discovery, settlement discussions, and possibly a trial. Unlike criminal law, where the state prosecutes the accused, civil cases are pursued by the aggrieved party seeking relief in the form of monetary damages or specific performance.
Civil courts apply codified laws, past judgments, and legal principles to resolve disputes fairly. The standard of proof is generally "preponderance of the evidence," which is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in criminal cases.
Civil law plays a crucial role in maintaining order in society by ensuring that individuals and entities are held accountable for breaching legal duties or infringing upon the rights of others.
