What is the primary purpose of civil statutes?

• A. Establish rules of conduct.
• B. Punish offenders.
• C. Define crimes.
• D. Regulate commerce.

Answer: (A)

Civil statutes are about establishing rules of conduct that govern private relationships and interactions. They set out the duties and rights individuals and organizations owe to one another, covering areas like contracts, torts, property, and family matters. When someone breaches these duties, civil law provides remedies—such as damages or injunctions—to compensate the harmed party or to prevent ongoing harm. The focus is on resolving disputes between private parties and enforcing private rights, not on punishing offenders. While some civil rules touch on commerce, the central aim remains regulating private conduct and providing remedies, rather than defining crimes or imposing criminal penalties.