CIVIL PENALTY Meaning and
Definition
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A civil penalty refers to a form of punishment or fine imposed by a civil court or regulatory agency on an individual or organization that has violated a civil law or regulation. It is a legal consequence for non-criminal offenses, typically involving violations of regulations or statutes related to public safety, consumer protection, or administrative matters.
The purpose of a civil penalty is to deter individuals or entities from engaging in behaviors that are deemed harmful or against the public interest. It serves as a means to enforce compliance with laws and regulations in a non-criminal context. Civil penalties are often used in cases where the violation does not warrant criminal prosecution but still requires punitive measures to rectify the harm done or prevent future violations.
The amount of a civil penalty is typically determined by the court or regulatory agency based on factors such as the severity of the violation, the extent of harm caused, the offender's history, and the potential deterrent effect. The penalties can range from monetary fines to forfeiture of assets, temporary or permanent license revocations, injunctions, or other forms of legal remedies.
Unlike criminal penalties, civil penalties are meant to be compensatory rather than punitive, aiming to correct the wrongdoing and compensate victims rather than solely punishing the offender. The funds collected from civil penalties may be used to support regulatory activities, victim compensation, or to benefit the public.
Common Misspellings for CIVIL PENALTY
- xivil penalty
- vivil penalty
- fivil penalty
- divil penalty
- cuvil penalty
- cjvil penalty
- ckvil penalty
- covil penalty
- c9vil penalty
- c8vil penalty
- cicil penalty
- cibil penalty
- cigil penalty
- cifil penalty
- civul penalty
- civjl penalty
- civkl penalty
- civol penalty
- civ9l penalty
- civ8l penalty
Etymology of CIVIL PENALTY
The word "civil" originated from the Latin word "civis", which means "citizen" or "pertaining to citizens". It entered Middle English via the Old French word "civile", which carried a similar meaning. "Penalty" stemmed from the Latin word "poena", meaning "punishment", and made its way into Middle English through Old French as well.
When combined, "civil penalty" refers to a legal consequence or punishment imposed by civil authorities or courts for violating civil laws or regulations. The term emphasizes the non-criminal nature of the offense and the jurisdiction of civil law.
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