What is the primary focus of civil law?

The primary focus of civil law is to resolve disputes between individuals or entities. This area of law deals with relationships, rights, and obligations among private parties rather than addressing crimes against society. Civil law encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including contract disputes, property disputes, family law, and torts, which are civil wrongs leading to harm or loss. The goal is typically to provide a remedy or compensation for the injured party rather than to impose punishment.

Understanding this focus helps clarify how civil law functions distinctly from other branches, such as criminal law, where the emphasis is on punishing individuals for offenses against societal norms. This distinction is critical for grasping the purpose and application of civil law in everyday legal matters.