What is meant by the term ‘civil remedy’?

The term ‘civil remedy’ refers specifically to a legal solution or compensation awarded in civil law cases as a response to harm or injury caused by a defendant's actions. This concept encompasses various forms of compensation, including monetary awards meant to restore the injured party, known as the plaintiff, to their pre-harm state as much as possible. Civil remedies aim to address issues such as breaches of contract, torts, or violations of rights, allowing individuals to seek redress outside of a criminal context.

In contrast, the other options describe different legal concepts. A punishment given by a court in criminal cases is associated with criminal law and is not a remedy. A temporary court order, often referred to as an injunction, addresses immediate harm or preserves the status quo but does not necessarily provide a resolution to the underlying legal issue. Lastly, a process of arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution method where a neutral party settles disputes outside of the court system, differing fundamentally from the notion of a civil remedy which seeks to compensate for harm through legal means.