Civil Law
/ˈsɪvəl lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal system originating in Roman law, emphasizing codified statutes over judicial precedents.
France follows a civil law system rather than common law.
- (n.) The body of law governing private rights and remedies, distinct from criminal or public law.
The dispute was resolved under civil law principles rather than criminal sanctions.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
'Civil law' can denote both a broad legal tradition rooted in codification and the narrower area of law dealing with private rights; clarity depends on context.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.