Civil law, as opposed to criminal law, refers to that branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals and/or organisations, in which compensation may be awarded to the victim.

In the common law, civil law refers to the area of laws, which through incorporation, take on the legal status of individuals. Civil law, in this sense, is usually referred to in comparison to criminal law, which is that body of law involving the state against individuals (including incorporated organizations) where the state relies on the power given it by statutory law. Civil law may also be compared to military law, administrative law and constitutional law (the laws governing the political and law making process), and international law. Where there are legal options for causes of action by individuals within any of these areas of law, it is thereby civil law.

Areas of Speciality

• Personal injury
• Auto and fire insurance matters
• Creditor actions
• Civil rights matters
• Police brutality
• Commercial and small business disputes
• Health care organization disputes