Which legal principle allows individuals to seek compensation for damages or loss?

The principle that allows individuals to seek compensation for damages or loss is civil law. This area of law deals with disputes between private parties and can involve a wide variety of issues, such as personal injury, property disputes, and breaches of contract. In civil law, the harmed party can pursue a legal remedy, typically in the form of monetary compensation, to address the damages incurred due to the actions of another party.

Civil law focuses on the rights and responsibilities of individuals and entities, ensuring that those who are wronged have the ability to seek a remedy through the court system. This is distinct from criminal justice, which involves prosecuting offenses against the state, and restorative justice, which emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. Contract law, while it can involve compensation, specifically addresses disputes arising from agreements between parties and thus falls under the broader umbrella of civil law.