What does "civil law" typically encompass?

Civil law typically encompasses disputes between individuals or organizations regarding their rights and obligations. This area of law deals with a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, property, family law, and torts (which involve civil wrongs causing harm or loss). Unlike criminal law, where the state prosecutes individuals for offenses against society, civil law focuses on resolving conflicts and providing remedies for individuals who have been wronged or have a legal grievance against another party.

In civil law cases, the resolution often involves compensation or the enforcement of rights rather than punishment. This distinction is vital as it highlights that civil law is established to maintain order and fairness in personal and commercial relationships rather than to punish wrongdoing. The emphasis on rights and obligations underscores the importance of individual agency and the legal systems' role in protecting those rights.

Other options represent different legal realms. Criminal law focuses on actions deemed harmful to society as a whole, while administrative decisions pertain to regulations and actions taken by government agencies. International treaties involve agreements between nations, which also fall outside the purview of civil law. Therefore, the encompassing nature of civil law regarding individual rights and obligations makes it a crucial component of the legal system.