Civil law refers to a comprehensive legal system that deals with private disputes and conflicts between individuals or entities, excluding criminal matters. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, property, family law, torts, and personal injury. In civil law cases, the primary objective is to provide remedies, such as compensation or specific performance, to the aggrieved party rather than seeking punishment.

Civil law proceedings typically involve one party, the plaintiff, bringing a legal action against another party, the defendant, to resolve a disagreement or seek compensation for harm suffered. Courts in civil law systems interpret and apply statutes and legal codes to determine liability and damages.