What does civil liability refer to?

Civil liability refers to the responsibility for a wrongful act that results in injury or harm to another person. This concept arises in civil law, where individuals or entities may be held accountable for damages caused by their actions, whether through negligence, intentional misconduct, or strict liability.

In cases of civil liability, the injured party typically seeks compensation or restitution through a lawsuit in civil court, rather than criminal prosecution. This distinguishes civil liability from criminal liability, which involves actions that are deemed harmful to society as a whole and are prosecuted by the government.

Understanding civil liability is crucial, especially for those in corrections, as it highlights the importance of conducting one’s duties within the bounds of the law and maintaining a standard of care towards others to avoid potential legal repercussions.