Siviilõigust

Siviilõigust, also known as civil law, is a broad area of law that governs the relationships between individuals and organizations. It encompasses a wide range of legal matters that do not involve criminal offenses. The primary purpose of civil law is to provide remedies for individuals who have been wronged by others, typically in the form of monetary compensation or court orders.

Key areas within civil law include contract law, which deals with agreements between parties; tort law, which addresses civil wrongs such as negligence or defamation; property law, governing ownership and use of real and personal property; family law, concerning marriage, divorce, and child custody; and inheritance law, which dictates the distribution of a deceased person's assets.

Unlike criminal law, where the state prosecutes an individual for a crime, civil law disputes are typically initiated by private parties. The burden of proof in civil cases generally lies with the plaintiff, who must demonstrate their case by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that their claims are true. Civil judgments can result in damages, injunctions, or specific performance, aiming to restore the injured party to their previous position or enforce contractual obligations.