civil law

Question 1

Meaning of civil law

Answer 1

Civil Law is concerned with cases in which there is a dispute between private individuals.

For the purposes of the law, a corporation or a company is considered to be an individual.

The court hears civil cases in order to preserve/restore the rights of individuals and settle the dispute.

Question 2

Purpose of civil law

Answer 2

civil laws are needed to:

1. Protect your rights - eg right to safety, right to enjoy your property, right to not have your reputation unfairly trashed, right to ensure agreements you make with others are performed
2. Impose a duty on others not to do anything to cause us harm
3. Provide a remedy such as compensation in the event of a breach of a civil right

Question 3

Comparison with criminal law

Answer 3

Purpose:
Crim Law = protection of the community as a whole
Civ Law = protection of individuals

Titles of parties involved:
Crim Law = state, acting on behalf of community, prosecutes individuals.
Civ Law = he injured party (plaintiff) sues the wrongdoer (defendant)