Civil law (common law)

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/civil-law-common-law

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Civil law (common law)?Contract law, property law, torts (civil wrongs), and quasi-contracts
2. What is the standard of proof in civil litigation?Generally, 'on a balance of probabilities' (more likely than not)
3. What is the difference between civil law and common law?Civil law uses big rulebooks called codes that judges read and apply. Common law builds rules from past court decisions, and judges follow earlier cases called precedents.
4. What does 'civil law' mean in a common law country?It is the part of the law that deals with private rights and problems between people or businesses, like contracts, property, and mistakes that hurt someone.

Stare Decisis: The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
Tort: A civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm, resulting in legal liability for the wrongdoer.
Redress: Remedy or compensation granted to an injured party for a civil wrong.
Quasi-Contract: A legal obligation imposed by a court to prevent unjust enrichment, even without a formal contract.