civil law Hear it!

civil law definition - legal

n

  1. A legal system derived from Roman law and based on fixed rules and statutes rather than on a courtÂ’s interpretation of broad principles. Prominent in continental Europe, Latin America, Scotland, Quebec, and Louisiana. See also common law and natural law.
  2. The law pertaining to civil or private rights and duties rather than to matters arising under administrative, criminal, or military law.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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