Civil law (legal system)

Civil law (legal system)

Civil law (pronounced /ˈsɪv.əl lɔː/), also known as continental law, is a legal system originating in mainland Europe and adopted in much of the world. The civil law system is intellectualized within the framework of Roman law, and with core principles codified into a referable system, which serves as the primary source of law.

Etymology

The term "civil law" comes from English legal scholarship and is used in English-speaking countries to lump together all legal systems of the jus commune tradition. The word "civil" is derived from the Latin word "civis" meaning citizen.

Related Terms

• Common law: A legal system that originated in medieval England and is based on court decisions rather than codified law.
• Code Napoleon: The French civil code established under Napoleon Bonaparte, which forms the basis of civil law in France and other countries.
• Roman law: The legal system of ancient Rome, and the legal developments which occurred before the 7th century AD.
• Legal system: A framework that is used to interpret and enforce the law.

See Also

• Civil procedure
• Civil rights
• Civil code
• Legal code

References

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