Commercial law, often known as mercantile law or trade law, is the body of law that governs the rights, relationships, and actions of individuals and businesses engaged in commerce, merchandising trade, and sales. It is frequently seen as a branch of civil law and deals with both private and public legal issues. Commercial law encompasses titles like principal and agent, as well as conveyance by land and sea; merchant shipping; guarantee; marine, fire, life, and accident insurance; bills of exchange; negotiable instruments; contracts; and partnership. Many of these categories belong under financial law, a branch of Commercial law that focuses on financing and financial markets. It is also used to govern corporate contracts, hiring practices, and the production and sale of consumer goods. Many countries have created civil codes that include detailed statements of their commercial law.