Civil Law

Civil Law

Definition

A legal system that was developed in mainland Europe based on Roman law principles and that has been adopted throughout most of the world. In contrast to common-law systems, civil-law systems hold caselaw as entirely subordinate to statutory law. Separately, in the environmental-law context, civil law refers to a water-rights doctrine that imposes liability on landowners who interfere with the natural flow of surface water so as to cause damage to other landowners.

Get full access FREE

With a 7-day free trial membership
Here's why 779,000 law students have relied on our key terms:
  • A complete online legal dictionary of law terms and legal definitions
  • Over 7,900 key terms written in plain English to help you not only understand the law but master it
  • The premier online law dictionary built specifically for law students
  • Easy access in class or on the go, accessible both online and through the Quimbee mobile app
  • Reliable - written by legal professors and practitioners
  • Get instant access to all related rules of law to any specific key term with a Quimbee Study Aid plan

Get full access FREE

With a 7-day free trial membership