Which type of law governs relationships between individuals and defines their legal rights?

Civil law governs relationships between individuals and defines their legal rights. It is focused on resolving disputes between private parties, which may involve issues such as contracts, property, family relationships, and torts (civil wrongs). Civil law allows individuals to seek compensation or specific performance through civil litigation, rather than facing criminal charges.

This area of law establishes the frameworks for how individuals interact legally, ensuring that rights and obligations are clear through statutes, case law, and legal precedents. In contrast, criminal law deals with offenses against the state or public, while administrative law governs the activities of governmental agencies. Constitutional law pertains to the interpretation and implementation of the Constitution, addressing the foundational principles that govern how laws are made and enforced.