Compare and contrast civil and criminal law. Include in your discussion definitions, how the cases are commenced, the purposes of civil and criminal law, the burdens of proof, and principal sanctions

Answer 1

Civil law defines duties, the violation of which constitutes a wrong against the party injured by the violation. Civil law is part of private law, and a civil lawsuit is brought by the injured party, known as the plaintiff. Purposes of civil law include compensation to the injured party and deterrence of such wrongful action in the future. The plaintiff has the burden of proof, which must be sustained by a preponderance of the evidence. Principal sanctions are monetary damages and equitable remedies, such as a decree ordering specific performance or an injunction ordering the defendant to do or refrain from doing a specified act.
Criminal law establishes duties, the violation of which is a wrong against the whole community. Criminal law is part of public law. The government brings the criminal case and has the burden of proving criminal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a significantly higher burden of proof than that required in a civil case. The primary purpose of criminal law is to punish the wrongdoer. Additional purposes include public policy (safeguarding government, human life, or private property), deterrence, rehabilitation, and preservation of peace. Principal sanctions include capital punishment (death), imprisonment, and fines.