In civil law, what is the primary aim of a lawsuit?

In civil law, the primary aim of a lawsuit is to enforce legal obligations or recover damages. This is distinct from criminal law, where the focus is on determining guilt or innocence of an accused party. Civil lawsuits typically arise when one party believes that another has breached a legal duty, such as a contract or a legal obligation, leading to harm or loss. The plaintiff seeks remedy, which can include monetary compensation for damages or specific performance of a contract.

Moreover, civil lawsuits can involve a variety of disputes, including those related to contracts, torts, property, and family law, emphasizing the recovery of losses sustained by one party due to the actions of another. The resolution of a civil lawsuit aims to address these grievances, often resulting in a judgment or order that enforces rights or obligations.

Engaging in a negotiation for settlement without court involvement, while a common aspect of civil disputes, is not the overarching aim of a lawsuit; it is rather an alternative method to potentially resolve the issues presented before they reach the courtroom. Therefore, the focus remains on the legal obligations and recovery of damages within a structured judicial process.