What is defined as the body of rules that govern the rights and duties between parties?

Private law is characterized by the body of rules that regulate the interactions and relationships between private individuals or entities. It encompasses areas such as contract law, tort law, property law, and family law, where the focus is primarily on the rights and duties arising from relationships among private parties.

Private law is essential in providing a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring that individuals can enforce their rights. In contrast, criminal law pertains to offenses against the state or society, public law governs the relationships between individuals and the government, and constitutional law concerns the interpretation and implementation of a country's constitution. Each of these branches serves distinct purposes, but when discussing the rights and duties between private parties, private law is the most appropriate designation.