What does civil liability refer to in a legal context?

Civil liability refers to the legal responsibility that an individual or entity has for actions or omissions that result in harm or loss to another party. This type of liability arises in civil law rather than criminal law and is typically resolved through compensatory damages rather than punishment. The offending party may be ordered to pay monetary damages or fulfill specific obligations to the injured party.

In a civil context, this can include cases of negligence, breach of contract, or other wrongful acts that cause injury or damage. The goal is to provide restitution to the harmed party and to deter others from similar behavior, rather than to punish the offender as would be the case in criminal liability. Understanding civil liability is crucial for legal document preparers, as they may encounter situations where clients seek to resolve disputes or seek compensation for damages resulting from another party's actions.