Civil or Criminal
🟢 Scenario: A customer sues a store for selling a defective product that caused injury.
💡 Question: Is this a civil or criminal case? Explain why.
Civil Law – involves a private dispute over injury and compensation, not punishment.
What type of court hears cases for the first time and determines the facts?
Trial Court
A business publishes false information about a competitor to gain customers.
Business Tort- Defamation
Which government agency protects the environment and enforces pollution laws?
EPA- Environmental Protection Agency
Why is it important to have both civil and criminal law in society?
Civil law resolves private disputes; criminal law punishes public wrongs. Both maintain order and fairness.
A person is accused of stealing a car.
💡 Question: Civil or criminal?
Criminal Law – theft is an offense against the public and punishable by law.
What court reviews cases to decide if the law was applied correctly?
Appellate Court
A company accountant steals money from the payroll account.
Business crime- embezzlement
Which agency protects workers’ safety and sets workplace standards?
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
How do court appeals protect individuals’ rights?
They ensure laws were applied fairly and that due process was followed.
🟢 Scenario: A company fails to deliver goods after receiving payment.
💡 Question: Civil or criminal?
Civil Law – breach of contract between two parties.
What court makes the final decision on appeals and constitutional issues?
Supreme Court
A company’s product causes injury because of poor safety testing.
Business Tort – Negligence/Product Liability
Why does the government regulate businesses?
To protect consumers, workers, and the environment; ensure fair competition; and prevent fraud.
Why should the government regulate business activities?
To prevent harm, promote safety, protect consumers, and ensure ethical competition.
🟢 Scenario: A person commits fraud by falsifying tax returns.
💡 Question: Civil or criminal?
Criminal Law – violates federal law and can result in jail or fines.
What is the correct order of a traditional court trial?
Jury selection → Opening statements → Evidence → Closing arguments → Verdict
An employee falsifies financial documents to deceive investors.
Business crime- fraud
Which agency enforces truth-in-advertising and fair trade?
FTC – Federal Trade Commission
Give one example of a business tort and one example of a business crime
Tort – Defamation; Crime – Fraud or Embezzlement.