Search results
This is part of our Legal Basics series. In the United States legal system, offenses and illegal acts are classified as either violations of criminal law or violations of civil law. These two distinct bodies of law address wrongdoing, deterrence, and compensation differently.
Criminal law differs from civil law in other respects, as well. For instance, a government lawyer (called a prosecutor) brings criminal charges against the accused, usually on behalf of the state or federal government. In contrast, a private lawyer files a civil lawsuit to resolve a dispute between private parties.
Civil law regulates the private rights of individuals. Criminal law regulates individuals’ conduct to protect the public. Civil litigation is a legal action between individuals to resolve a civil dispute. Criminal prosecution is when the government prosecutes a defendant to punish illegal conduct.
One major difference between civil and criminal law is that a civil lawsuit is always the result of harm to a person or entity. A civil lawsuit is filed when someone was harmed as a result of someone’s negligence or recklessness, but the defendant hasn’t necessarily broken any laws.
Apr 13, 2023 · Civil law and criminal law are separate subsets of the United States legal system. They are designed to punish wrongdoing and deter future offenses, but they accomplish these goals differently. Criminal charges are brought by the government, while civil suits are filed by a private party known as a plaintiff.
Aug 17, 2023 · FindLaw. Learn About The Law. Criminal Law Basics. The Differences Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case. By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Joseph Bui, Esq. | Last reviewed August 17, 2023. Legally Reviewed. This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by and in accordance with . Fact-Checked.
Apr 23, 2023 · Compare civil and criminal law. Ascertain the primary differences between civil litigation and a criminal prosecution. Law can be classified in a variety of ways. One of the most general classifications divides law into civil and criminal.
