Which legal concept is characterized by one citizen charging another for damages caused by a tort?

• A. Criminal law
• B. Administrative law
• C. Civil law
• D. Contract law

Answer: (C)

The concept being described involves one individual holding another accountable for damages resulting from a tort, which is a wrongful act leading to civil legal liability. This scenario clearly falls under the umbrella of civil law, which is designed to address disputes between individuals and typically involves the compensation of damages rather than punishment.

In civil law, the injured party can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the tortious act, seeking damages for their injuries or losses. This process is foundational to personal injury claims, negligence cases, and other legal situations where one person's actions have caused harm to another without necessarily violating criminal statutes.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the boundaries between different areas of law, as civil law focuses on resolving disputes and compensating victims rather than enforcing criminal penalties or governing institutional regulations, which are the realm of the other options listed.