What distinguishes civil law from criminal law?

Civil law is distinguished from criminal law primarily by its focus on disputes between individuals or entities rather than on offenses against the state or public order. The essence of civil law lies in providing a legal framework for resolving conflicts that arise from private matters, such as contracts, property disputes, and personal injury claims. In a civil case, one party, known as the plaintiff, seeks compensation or resolution from another party, the defendant, which is fundamentally different from the criminal law context where the state prosecutes individuals for violations of law.

In the context of the other options, civil law does not primarily address cases involving government litigation, regulatory offenses, or national security issues, which are typically under the purview of criminal law. Instead, civil law focuses on private rights and obligations, making it a critical aspect of maintaining order and fairness in personal and business relationships.