Parties Involved:
Criminal Law:
- Defendant: the individual or entity accused of committing a crime
- Prosecution: the government or state bringing the case against the defendant
Civil Law:
- Plaintiff: the individual or entity bringing the case
- Defendant: the individual or entity being sued
Purposes & Outcomes:
Criminal Law:
- Purpose: to punish individuals who have committed crimes and maintain social order
- Outcome: potential imprisonment, fines, probation, or other criminal penalties
Civil Law:
- Purpose: to resolve disputes between parties and provide compensation to the injured party
- Outcome: monetary compensation, injunctive relief, or specific performance
Standard of Proof:
Criminal Law:
- Standard: beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt to the point where there is no reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors
Civil Law:
- Standard: preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff must prove that it is more likely than not that their claims are true
Process:
Criminal Law:
- Process: involves arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, verdict, and sentencing
- Legal representation: the defendant has the right to an attorney, which may be provided by the government if the defendant cannot afford one
Civil Law:
- Process: involves filing a complaint, discovery, trial or settlement negotiations, and judgment
- Legal representation: both parties have the right to legal representation, but it is not provided by the government if a party cannot afford it
Whats the Criminal Law and Civil Law of :
Parties Involved
Purposes & Outcomes
Standard of Proof
Process
1 answer