civil law

American  

noun

1. the body of laws of a state or nation regulating ordinary private matters, as distinct from laws regulating criminal, political, or military matters.

2. Roman History. the body of law proper to the city or state of Rome, as distinct from that common to all nations.

3. systems of law influenced significantly and in various ways by Roman law, especially as contained in the Corpus Juris Civilis, as distinct from the common law and canon or ecclesiastical law.

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civil law British  

noun

1. the law of a state relating to private and civilian affairs

2. the body of law in force in ancient Rome, esp the law applicable to private citizens

3. any system of law based on the Roman system as distinguished from the common law and canon law

4. the law of a state as distinguished from international law

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Other Word Forms

• civil-law adjective

Etymology

Origin of civil law

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Salmond, who died of a heart attack in October 2024 while attending a conference in North Macedonia, was suing the government for misfeasance - a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

From BBC

The authority of immigration agents to provide security or conduct civil law enforcement activities is legally uncertain.

From Los Angeles Times

There has always been immense pressure for a settlement, because the curve of civil law bends so strongly in that direction.

From BBC

The former first minster has sued the government for misfeasance – a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

From BBC

The Detroit Metro Times reported that he taught himself criminal and civil law during his time in prison, and had since developed “a long history of challenging the judicial system” by filing multiple lawsuits.

From BBC