Law 101- What is the difference?
What does criminal law deal with?
Actions that break the law and harm society.
What is the person being accused called in a criminal case?
The defendant.
What can happen to someone found guilty in criminal court?
Jail, fines, probation, or community service.
If someone steals a bike, is it criminal or civil?
Criminal.. stealing breaks the law.
True or False: Civil law is about punishment.
False.. it’s about solving disputes.
What does civil law deal with?
Disagreements or disputes between people or organizations.
What is the standard of proof in a criminal trial?
Beyond a reasonable doubt.
What can happen to someone who loses a civil case?
They might have to pay money or fix the issue.
If two businesses sue each other over a contract, what kind of law is it?
Civil law.
True or False: Criminal law protects the public as a whole.
True
Who brings a case forward in criminal law?
The government or prosecutor.
What is the standard of proof in a civil trial?
Preponderance of the evidence
What kind of punishment focuses on protecting society and discouraging crime?
Criminal Punishment
If someone damages a friend’s car and refuses to pay, which court would handle it?
Civil court.
What is one similarity between criminal and civil law?
Both use judges, courts, and evidence to reach a decision.
Who brings a case forward in civil law?
The plaintiff (person who sues).
What kind of court might handle both criminal and civil cases?
A trial court (like a state or district court).
In civil cases, what do we call the money paid to the winning side?
Damages or compensation.
What famous criminal case also had a civil lawsuit after involving a former football player?
The O.J. Simpson case (criminal acquittal, civil lawsuit for wrongful death).
Which type of law would handle a lawsuit over copyright or music rights?
Civil Law
What is one main purpose of criminal law that is different from civil law?
To punish or protect society, not just solve private problems.
Why is it harder to win a criminal case than a civil case?
Because criminal cases require more proof (beyond a reasonable doubt), while civil cases only need the stronger side of evidence.
Can one act lead to both a civil and criminal case? Give an example.
Yes.... for example, assault can be a criminal case (breaking the law) and a civil case (victim sues for medical bills).
What’s one way civil and criminal law work together in real life?
A person can face both punishment (criminal) and have to pay damages (civil) for the same act.
Why do we need both criminal and civil law in society?
Criminal law keeps people safe by enforcing rules; civil law keeps relationships and fairness between individuals