Civil law is intended to govern the acts of whom?

• A. Public authorities
• B. Criminal offenses
• C. Private parties
• D. International relations

Answer: (C)

Civil law is the branch that deals with disputes between private individuals and private organizations. It handles contracts, torts, property, family relations, and the private remedies people seek, like damages or injunctions. It doesn’t govern the actions of government bodies; that falls to public law, which oversees how authorities exercise power and regulate society. Criminal law defines offenses against society and is prosecuted by the state. International relations are governed by international law, which regulates relations between states and other international actors. In a hospital setting, civil law would apply to private disputes such as a patient suing for negligence or a contract dispute with a supplier or employee. So civil law governs acts by private parties.