What does it mean to be 'found liable' in a civil case?

Being 'found liable' in a civil case means that a court has determined that a party is responsible for a harm or wrongdoing that is the subject of the lawsuit. This decision is made after evaluating evidence presented during the trial, and it typically results in the liable party being ordered to compensate the injured party for damages. Liability in civil law is about resolving disputes between private individuals or entities, often involving issues like breach of contract, negligence, or other civil wrongs, and not about criminal culpability.

The other responses do not accurately capture the meaning of being found liable. For example, being declared not responsible for a claim signifies a dismissal of the case, while being acquitted of criminal charges pertains to the criminal justice system and does not relate to civil liability. Receiving a lesser penalty typically involves criminal or administrative consequences, rather than the financial compensation generally awarded in civil liability cases. Thus, the understanding of liability is essential for grasping the outcomes and implications of civil litigation.