Private Law: An Intimate View from Personal Experience

Hello! I'm Rubén Águila, and today I want to talk to you about a topic that, although it may sound boring to many, is fundamental in our lives: private law. Yes, that set of rules that regulates relationships between private individuals. But don't worry, I'm not going to give you a long-winded legal rant. I will tell you from my experience, with a casual and direct tone, in the purest style of Isra Bravo.

What is Private Law?

To begin with, let's define what private law is. Basically, it is the branch of law that is responsible for regulating relationships between individuals and private entities. Unlike public law, which focuses on relations between the state and citizens, private law deals with matters such as contracts, property, inheritance and obligations between private parties.

My First Encounter with Private Law

I remember my first brush with private law like it was yesterday. I was buying my first second-hand car. Excited, I signed the sales contract without reading the fine print. Bad mistake! It turned out that the car had more debts than a compulsive gambler. That's when I learned the importance of understanding contracts and the obligations they entail. Since then, I always read everything with a fine-tooth comb and, if necessary, consult an attorney specializing in private law.

Contracts: The Soul of Private Law

Contracts are the bread and butter of private law. From renting an apartment to buying a bicycle on Wallapop, there is always an agreement involved. But, watch out! Not all contracts are the same. Some require specific formalities, while others may be verbal. The important thing is that both parties agree and that the contract does not go against the law.

Property and Possession: Not the Same Thing

Another key aspect of private law is the distinction between ownership and possession. They may seem like the same thing, but they are not. ownership is the legal right to an asset, while possession is the fact of having or using it. For example, if you rent an apartment, you are the possessor, but not the owner. This nuance is crucial, especially when legal disputes arise.

Civil Liability: When Things Get Ugly

Civil liability is another pillar of private law. Basically, it is the obligation to repair damage caused to another person. Imagine that you inadvertently break your neighbor's expensive vase during a party. Well, you are obliged to compensate him. This is where liability insurance comes into play, which can get you out of more than one predicament.

Real Cases that Illustrate Private Law

To ground all this, I will tell you some real cases that exemplify how private law affects our lives:

Compensations for Medical Negligence: Recently, there have been cases of million-dollar compensations for medical negligence in childbirth that have seriously affected private healthcare. These situations highlight the importance of civil liability and how institutions must respond to errors that cause damage to third parties.

Use of Private Detectives by Companies: In another case, a company was condemned for hiring a private detective to spy on a worker who was playing golf while he was on leave. The court found that the employee's right to privacy had been violated, highlighting the importance of respecting legal boundaries in employment relationships.

The Importance of Getting Good Advice

If I have learned anything from my experiences with private law, it is the importance of having good legal advice. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and avoid major problems. Don't skimp on this aspect; in the long run, it can save you a lot of money and headaches.

Conclusion

Private law is present in a multitude of aspects of our daily lives, from signing a contract to liability for damages caused. Understanding its fundamentals and having the right advice is essential to avoid legal problems and protect our interests.