civil law

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noun

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

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

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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Origin of civil law

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

OTHER WORDS FROM civil law

civil-law, adjective

Words nearby civil law

civilian review board, civility, civilization, civilize, civilized, civil law, civil libertarian, civil liberties, civil liberty, civil list, civilly

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use civil law in a sentence

Criminal law, unlike civil law, is less likely to hold defendants liable for the actions of a third party, even if that third party is the defendant’s child.
Are Parents Criminally Responsible For The Actions Of Their Child? In The Oxford Shooting Case, Prosecutors Say Yes|LGBTQ-Editor|December 20, 2021|No Straight News
We are confident that a review of all documents and statements will show that Cisterra and its employees acted appropriately and complied with all criminal and civil laws.
District Attorney Investigators Raid Hughes Marino, Cisterra on 101 Ash St. Mess|Lisa Halverstadt|October 5, 2021|Voice of San Diego
The groups ask for James to adopt a civil law standard for determining Cuomo’s potential wrongdoing, as opposed to the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Women’s groups propose rules for sexual harassment investigation of New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo|Michael Scherer|March 5, 2021|Washington Post
Dycus said the Insurrection Act can be used only if civil law enforcement can’t handle the problem.
How the National Guard could play a role in the election|Rachel Schallom|October 30, 2020|Fortune

Under the Posse Comitatus Act, active-duty troops cannot be used for civil law enforcement.
How the National Guard could play a role in the election|Rachel Schallom|October 30, 2020|Fortune
They are, to say the least, preparing for civil war (the polling stations are stormed by armed gangs).
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But what is there more irresponsible than playing with the fire of an imagined civil war in the France of today?
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Unless there is a court decision that changes our law, we are OK.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Submission is set in a France seven years from now that is dominated by a Muslim president intent on imposing Islamic law.
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A few days later, Bush replied, “We will uphold the law in Florida.”
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
His 6,000 native auxiliaries (as it proved later on) could not be relied upon in a civil war.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
We should have to admit that the new law does little or nothing to relieve such a situation.
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips
He that seeketh the law, shall be filled with it: and he that dealeth deceitfully, shall meet with a stumblingblock therein.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
To Harrison and his wife there was no distinction between the executive and judicial branches of the law.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
Now this setting up of an orderly law-abiding self seems to me to imply that there are impulses which make for order.
Children's Ways|James Sully

British Dictionary definitions for civil law

civil law

noun

the law of a state relating to private and civilian affairs

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

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

the law of a state as distinguished from international law

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012