civil law
noun
the body of laws of a state or nation regulating ordinary private matters, as distinct from laws regulating criminal, political, or military matters.
Roman History.
the body of law proper to the city or state of Rome, as distinct from that common to all nations.
Compare jus civile.
systems of law influenced significantly and in various ways by Roman law, especially as contained in the Corpus Juris Civilis, as distinct from the common law and canon or ecclesiastical law.
Origin of civil law
late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425
OTHER WORDS FROM civil law
civ·il-law, adjectiveWords nearby civil law
Example sentences from the Web for civil law
Likewise in civil-law countries the enforcing machinery is modern and adequate.
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law |Roscoe PoundIn general in civil-law countries today what we call specific performance is the rule.
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law |Roscoe Pound
British Dictionary definitions for civil law
civil law
noun
the law of a state relating to private and civilian affairs
the body of law in force in ancient Rome, esp the law applicable to private citizens
any system of law based on the Roman system as distinguished from the common law and canon law
the law of a state as distinguished from international law