What does civil law allow individuals to do?

Civil law primarily allows individuals to seek redress for private wrongs. This legal framework is designed to resolve disputes between private parties, such as individuals or organizations, rather than addressing offenses against society that fall under criminal law. In civil cases, the injured party can file a lawsuit to obtain compensation or remedy for harm suffered, such as breach of contract, personal injury, or property disputes.

This focus on resolving private grievances distinguishes civil law from criminal law, which is tasked with punishing behavior that is deemed harmful to society at large. While options that mention criminal proceedings, declaring criminal behaviors, or prescribing punishments may be components of the criminal justice system, they do not pertain to the functions of civil law. Thus, seeking redress for private wrongs is the central purpose of civil law, making it the correct answer.