The phrase 'civil law' has different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
In one sense, civil law refers to the laws that were originally developed in the Roman Empire. as distinct from the 'common law' which originated in England.
In another sense, 'civil law' is that which establishes private legal rights and duties, enforceable between two (or more) individuals. Examples are contract, tort and property law. Civil law in this sense is distinguished from 'criminal law', which is concerned with rules of prohibited conduct that are enforced by the state in the public interest.