In legal terms, what is 'civil liability'?

Civil liability refers to the legal responsibility that a person or entity holds when they commit a civil wrong, which can cause harm or loss to another individual or group. It encompasses a broad range of torts and contract breaches, where the injured party can seek compensation or remedy through the civil justice system. By establishing civil liability, the law ensures that individuals or organizations that cause harm to others are held accountable and can be required to rectify the situation, typically through monetary compensation.

This concept is integral to civil law, distinguishing it from criminal law, where the focus is on offenses against the state. In civil liability cases, the emphasis is on compensating the victim rather than punishing the offender. The essence of civil liability lies in its role in upholding social responsibility and fairness within society, providing mechanisms for resolving disputes without resorting to criminal sanctions.

The alternatives presented do not accurately define civil liability. Exemption from debts relates to financial obligations, prosecution for criminal acts pertains to violations of criminal law, and accountability in administrative law involves regulatory compliance rather than private disputes. Thus, the definition of civil liability as responsibility for a civil wrong that causes harm or loss aligns accurately with legal principles governing civil disputes.