Criminal & Civil Law

Criminal Law

• Definition: Criminal law deals with acts that are considered offenses against society or the state, even if the victim is an individual.

• Purpose: To maintain law and order, punish offenders, and deter crime.

• Examples: Theft, murder, assault, fraud, drug trafficking.

• Parties Involved:

  • Prosecution (the state/government) brings the case.

  • Defendant (the accused person) defends against the charges.

• Possible Outcomes: Prison, fines, probation, community service, or even death penalty (in some jurisdictions).

• Standard of Proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt” (a very high standard).

Civil Law

• Definition: Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, groups, or organizations, usually about rights, responsibilities, or obligations.

• Purpose: To resolve disputes and compensate the wronged party, not to punish.

• Examples: Breach of contract, property disputes, divorce, negligence, defamation.

• Parties Involved:

  • Plaintiff (the person bringing the case)

  • Defendant (the person being sued)

• Possible Outcomes: Monetary compensation (damages), specific performance (forcing someone to do something, like honor a contract), or injunctions (ordering someone to stop doing something).

• Standard of Proof: “Balance of probabilities” (lower standard—who is more likely right).