In civil law, which term describes disputes between private individuals?

• A. Crimes and punishment
• B. Regulatory offenses
• C. Disputes between private parties
• D. Criminal prosecutions

Answer: (C)

Civil law deals with disputes between private parties. This area focuses on conflicts over private rights and obligations—such as contracts, torts (like negligence), property, and family matters. The remedies are private in nature, like monetary damages, injunctions, or specific performance, aimed at resolving the dispute and restoring the injured party’s rights rather than punishing wrongdoing. This contrasts with criminal prosecutions, which pursue crimes and punishment on behalf of the state. Regulatory offenses involve violations of government-imposed rules, typically with administrative penalties rather than private lawsuits. So the description that fits is disputes between private individuals.