civil law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Legal
Quick answer
What does “civil law” mean?
The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community, rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community, rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs; also refers to legal systems based on codified statutes (like Roman law) as opposed to common law.
A legal system originating from Roman law, characterized by comprehensive written codes as the primary source of law, as found in most of continental Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa. In common law contexts, it primarily denotes the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, where compensation may be awarded to the victim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in definition. In the US, the distinction between 'civil law' (private suits) and 'criminal law' (state prosecution) is a fundamental constitutional concept. In the UK, the term 'private law' is also used synonymously with the non-criminal sense. The US state of Louisiana operates under a civil law system due to its French heritage, which is a notable exception within a predominantly common law country.
Connotations
In both, implies formal, non-violent resolution of disputes. In academic/global contexts, strongly connotes the European legal tradition versus the Anglo-American common law tradition.
Frequency
High frequency in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts discussing law. Lower frequency in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “civil law” in a Sentence
[Subject] is governed by civil law.[Jurisdiction] follows a civil law system.To bring a civil law action against [Defendant].This is a matter for civil law.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “civil law” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The civil-law approach differs significantly.
- They sought civil-law remedies.
American English
- Louisiana has a civil-law system for property.
- He is a civil-law notary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to contracts, liability, and disputes between companies. 'The breach of contract will be settled under civil law.'
Academic
Discussed in comparative law, legal history, and jurisprudence. 'The civil law tradition traces its roots to the Corpus Juris Civilis.'
Everyday
Used when distinguishing a lawsuit from a criminal prosecution. 'It wasn't a crime, so we had to file a civil law case for damages.'
Technical
Precise reference to specific articles of a civil code or the procedural rules of civil litigation. 'The claim falls under Book III, Title IV of the Civil Code.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “civil law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “civil law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civil law”
- Using 'civil law' to mean 'polite law'. Confusing it with 'case law'. Pronouncing it as /ˈsaɪ.vəl/ instead of /ˈsɪv.əl/. Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a civil law') when referring to the system.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal law involves the state prosecuting an individual for an act classified as a crime, with penalties like imprisonment. Civil law involves disputes between individuals/organizations, where the remedy is usually compensation or an injunction.
Mostly no. The US primarily follows the common law tradition, inherited from England. However, the state of Louisiana has a mixed system with strong civil law foundations, and aspects of civil law influence areas like admiralty law.
Generally, no. Civil cases typically result in monetary damages or court orders (e.g., to perform a contract). However, contempt of a civil court order can sometimes lead to imprisonment.
In the context of legal families or traditions, the main opposite is the 'common law' system, which relies more on judge-made precedent than comprehensive codes.
The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community, rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.
Civil law is usually formal, academic, legal in register.
Civil law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪv.əl ˈlɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sue someone in civil court”
- “Take civil action”
- “A civil matter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CIVIL as in CITIZEN. Civil law deals with disputes between citizens, not crimes against the state.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A CODE (for the legal system sense); LAW IS A BALANCE SCALE (for the dispute resolution sense).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a characteristic of a 'civil law' system in the global sense?