What are the differences between civil law and criminal law?

Criminal law and civil law differ with respect to how cases are initiated (who may bring charges or file suit), how cases are decided (by a judge or a jury), what kinds of punishment or penalty may be imposed, what standards of proof must be met, and what legal protections may be available to the defendant. read more

Civil law is where the victim of a crime can ask for restitution and fines when the defendant has not carried out a legal duty. The easiest way to differentiate the two types of law is by looking at the party that is allowed to bring any proceedings against the other party. read more

Civil Law deals with disagreements between private individuals (commercial or personal injury disputes, for example). Typically, one person will claim that the other person’s actions caused him harm, and file a civil suit seeking compensation for the damage caused. read more