Definition

1. Noun:
   • A legal system derived from Roman law: "Civil law" refers to the legal system originating from ancient Roman law, particularly as codified under Emperor Justinian, which forms the basis for the legal systems of many countries, especially in continental Europe and other parts of the world.
   • The body of law concerning private rights and remedies: "Civil law" is the area of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving issues like contracts, property, family matters, and torts (e.g., negligence), as opposed to criminal law.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Countries like France and Germany operate under a civil law system.
  • The dispute over the contract breach was a matter of civil law, not criminal law.

Advanced Usage

• "Civil law jurisdiction": A region or country whose legal system is based on civil law principles.

  • Lawyers trained in a common law system may find practicing in a civil law jurisdiction challenging.

• "Civil law tradition": The historical and conceptual framework of legal systems based on Roman law.

  • The civil law tradition emphasizes comprehensive legal codes.

Variants and Related Words

• Civil code (n): A systematic collection of laws designed to comprehensively deal with the core areas of private law.

  • The Napoleonic Code is a famous civil code.

• Civilian (adj): Pertaining to civil law or a civil law system.

  • He is an expert in civilian legal systems.

Synonyms

• Roman law: The ancient legal system of Rome, a direct precursor.
• Private law: The branch of law that governs relationships between individuals (a core component of civil law).

Related Phrases

• "Action in civil law": A lawsuit or proceeding brought within the civil law system.
  • They filed an action in civil law to recover damages.

Related Idioms

• "A matter of civil law": An issue to be resolved under the rules governing private disputes, not by criminal prosecution.
  • Since no crime was committed, it's purely a matter of civil law.

Noun

1. the legal code of ancient Rome; codified under Justinian; the basis for many modern systems of civil law
2. the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation