Legal Definitions - civil

In a legal context, the term civil primarily refers to matters concerning disputes between private individuals or organizations, rather than criminal cases where the government seeks to punish someone for breaking public laws. It encompasses a broad range of legal issues focused on resolving conflicts, protecting individual rights, and enforcing obligations that do not involve a criminal offense. When you hear 'civil,' think of disagreements over contracts, personal injuries, property, or the fundamental rights of citizens.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of "civil" in law:

• Example 1: Contract Dispute

  Imagine a small business owner who ordered a custom-built machine from a manufacturer, paying a deposit upfront. The manufacturer fails to deliver the machine by the agreed-upon date, causing the business owner to lose significant revenue. The business owner decides to sue the manufacturer for the financial losses incurred.

  Explanation: This is a civil matter because it involves a dispute between two private entities (the business owner and the manufacturer) regarding a contractual agreement. The business owner is not accusing the manufacturer of a crime, but rather a breach of contract, seeking a remedy like financial compensation to cover their losses.

• Example 2: Personal Injury Claim

  A pedestrian is walking on a sidewalk when they trip and fall due to a poorly maintained section of pavement in front of a commercial building, suffering a broken wrist. The pedestrian believes the building owner was negligent in maintaining the property and is responsible for their injury and medical bills.

  Explanation: This is a civil case, specifically a personal injury or "tort" claim. It involves a private individual (the pedestrian) seeking compensation from another private party (the building owner) for harm caused by alleged negligence. The goal is to make the injured party whole again through financial damages, not to punish the building owner criminally.

• Example 3: Civil Rights Violation

  A tenant applies to rent an apartment but is denied solely because they use a wheelchair, despite having a stable income and a good rental history. The tenant believes this denial constitutes discrimination based on their disability.

  Explanation: This situation involves a potential violation of the tenant's civil rights, specifically their right to fair housing free from discrimination. The tenant might pursue a civil lawsuit against the landlord to enforce these rights and seek remedies such as access to the apartment, damages, or an injunction to prevent future discrimination, rather than the government prosecuting the landlord for a crime.