A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Ad civilem effectum (ad sə-vI-ləm e-fek-təm) is a Latin term used in law to refer to the civil effect of an act. It distinguishes the effect of an act in a civil case from its effect in a criminal case.

Example: If a person is found guilty of theft in a criminal case, they may be sentenced to jail time. However, in a civil case, the victim of the theft may also sue the perpetrator for damages. The outcome of the criminal case does not necessarily determine the outcome of the civil case, as they have different ad civilem effectum.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term ad civilem effectum is used to differentiate the effect of an act in a civil case from its effect in a criminal case. In this case, the criminal case may result in jail time for the perpetrator, but the civil case may result in the perpetrator having to pay damages to the victim. The ad civilem effectum of the criminal case is different from that of the civil case.