Civil law is a term with several meanings. The term is often used to describe the rules of private law and to set them apart from the rules of criminal law. When used in this way, civil law covers such matters as contracts, ownership of property, and payment for personal injury. These matters usually involve private citizens. But the state may become party to a civil suit when it enters into a contract or causes personal injury. Criminal law deals with actions that are harmful to society and that society has made a crime.