Final answer:
The praetor was the Roman government official responsible for enforcing civil law, handling cases, and interpreting laws within the Roman Republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government official primarily in charge of enforcing civil law in Rome was the praetor. The praetors were magistrates who not only presided over civil and criminal courts but also had the authority to enact legal decrees and command armies. Their role was critical to the administration of justice in the Roman Republic.
During the time of the Roman Empire, other officials also played significant roles in law enforcement, but the praetor remained a central figure in the judicial system. Their responsibilities included the adjudication of cases and the interpretation of law, contributing greatly to the Roman legal tradition that influenced modern legal systems.