Civil law, as opposed to criminal law, is the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals and/or organizations, in which compensation may be awarded to the victim. For instance, if a car crash victim claims damages against the driver for loss or injury sustained in an accident, this will be a civil law case. Civil law courts provide a forum for deciding disputes involving torts (such as accidents, negligence, and libel), contract disputes, the probate of wills, trusts, property disputes, administrative law, commercial law, and any other private matters that involve private parties or organizations including government departments. The objectives of civil law are different from other types of law. In civil law there is the attempt to right a wrong, honor an agreement, or settle a dispute. If there is a victim, they get compensation, and the person who is the cause of the wrong pays, this being a civilized form of, or legal alternative to, revenge.
Adair is an unincorporated community in McDonough County, Illinois. Adair is part of the New Salem Township. The town is served by U.S. Route 136, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad runs through the town. Adair was laid out in August 1870 under the name of Reedyville; though the name has never been officially changed, the location is known as Adair because that name was given to the post office.