In today’s fast-paced world, understanding basic legal concepts is essential. One such concept is civil – but what does it actually mean?
In the simplest terms, when something is described as “civil,” it relates to a situation which follows accepted standards of behavior, or which falls within the law. It is essentially the opposite of criminal – this means that while a criminal offense would involve cross-breaking a law, a civil action would involve the breach of the duties which are defined by law.
To put this concept into a modern context, let’s take a look at an example. Consider a contract dispute between two parties. If one party accuses the other of violating the contract, the dispute could be settled in either civil or criminal court. In civil court, the court would look for evidence which proves that the defendant breached his or her legal obligations under the contract. However, if the accuser believes that the defendant’s actions amount to criminal behavior, they would need to bring the case to criminal court where the judge would determine if the defendant is guilty of a crime.
The concept of civil has also become associated with the protection of individuals’ rights against aggression, injustice, or any incursion on their freedoms. This includes civil rights, such as the right to vote, protest, and join a union. Civil rights also encompass freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Ultimately, when something is described as civil, it means that it is compliant with the law and with accepted standards of behavior, and also that it respects and upholds individuals’ rights. Understanding what civil is, and what it means, is the foundation for being a responsible, law-abiding citizen.