Final answer:
Civil law is the classification of law that deals with the rights and duties between persons and between citizens and their governments, involving disputes that commonly seek compensation rather than criminal punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The classification of law that concerns the rights and duties that exist between persons and between citizens and their government is known as civil law. Unlike criminal law, where the government charges an individual with a crime, civil law deals with disputes between private parties and can also involve a citizen's claim against the government. Civil law cases usually relate to harm or injury that one party alleges against another, seeking compensation or specific performance, rather than punishment.
Both state and federal courts can hear matters that involve civil law, along with criminal law, demonstrating the idea that law operates on different levels and in various capacities to regulate society. In the United States, the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, sets out fundamental civil liberties and the government's role in protecting these rights. Therefore, civil law plays a crucial role in balancing individual freedoms with the interests of the community, a concept reflected in ensuring legal accountability and open government. These principles help maintain a societal structure where laws are not only just and protective but also fairly enforced and accessible to all.