This situation is considered civil because it involves a private dispute between two parties—the homeowner and the builder—regarding contractual obligations and the quality of work.
Here are several reasons why this scenario falls within the realm of civil law:
-
Contractual Relationship: The homeowner and builder have entered into a contract, wherein the builder agrees to complete construction work (in this case, a new bathroom) to certain standards. When the homeowner feels that the builder has failed to meet these terms, it becomes a question of contract law.
-
Compensation for Damages: The homeowner is seeking redress for damages incurred due to the builder's poor workmanship. In civil cases, parties often seek monetary compensation or specific performance (such as making repairs) to remedy a wrong. The homeowner wants to be compensated for the cost of fixing the poorly constructed bathroom.
-
No Criminal Penalties: Unlike criminal law, which involves offenses against the state and can result in penalties like fines or imprisonment, civil law deals with disputes between individuals or entities, focusing on restitution and compensation rather than punishment. This case does not involve criminal behavior but rather a failure to fulfill contractual duties.
-
Resolution Through Civil Courts: Such disputes are typically resolved in civil courts, where the focus is on finding a fair solution based on the evidence presented, rather than determining guilt or innocence as in criminal court.
Overall, because this situation revolves around a dispute over contractual obligations and seeks to address harm through compensation rather than punishment, it is classified as a civil matter.