_________ concerns torts and disputes between private individuals?

Civil law is the branch of law that deals with torts and disputes between private individuals. This area of law provides the framework for legal processes involving personal injury claims, contract disputes, property issues, and other non-criminal matters. In civil law, the goal is typically to resolve disputes and provide compensation to the harmed party rather than to punish the wrongdoer, which is a key feature of criminal law.

In contrast, criminal law focuses on actions that are offenses against the state and its citizens, such as theft or assault, where prosecution is conducted by the government. Administrative law governs the activities of governmental agencies and is not concerned with private disputes but rather with regulations and compliance standards. Federal law comprises laws that pertain to the United States as a whole, which can include aspects of both civil and criminal law but does not specifically denote the resolution of private disputes.

The nature of civil law is directly relevant to torts, as it encompasses various forms of legal wrongs that individuals can commit against one another, leading to lawsuits and compensatory damages. This understanding is critical for anyone studying law, as it establishes the fundamental difference between civil and criminal proceedings.