In civil law, the court settles a disagreement between parties. These cases usually don't go to the Appellate court and are settled by the District court. The procedure goes like this; plaintiff...
There are two types of codified law: CRIMINAL LAW and CIVIL or TORT law. In other words, the terms 'civil' law and 'tort' law are the same.
Torts are injuries to private persons with remedies...
It means essentially the same thing as the current 'in-vogue' phrase, "It is, what it is." It means the law is not negotiable. It may not seem just in some cases but it is, above all else, the law.