Civil Law vs. Criminal Law

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a common type of civil law case?

Divorce (correct)
Theft
Murder
Assault

Criminal law is primarily focused on resolving disputes between organizations.

False (B)

Who prosecutes criminal cases in England and Wales?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

In tort law, the person who sues is referred to as the ______.

<p>plaintiff</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of laws with their primary focus:

<p>Civil Law = Disputes between individuals or organizations Criminal Law = Offenses against the state or society Torts = Negligence or defamation cases Contract Law = Agreements between parties</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Civil Law

Law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, aiming to resolve them and compensate the harmed party.

Criminal Law

Law that deals with crimes against the state or society, aiming to maintain public order and punish offenders.

Tort

A civil wrong that causes harm to another person, such as negligence or defamation.

Plaintiff

The party bringing a lawsuit in a civil case, seeking compensation for the harm caused.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Defendant

The party being sued in a civil case, accused of causing the harm.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Civil Law vs. Criminal Law

Civil Law deals with disputes between individuals, organisations, or both. Its aim is to resolve these conflicts and provide remedies like compensation or specific performance. Common civil cases include contract disagreements, family matters (like divorce), and torts (like negligence or defamation). In civil law, the 'plaintiff' sues the 'defendant'.
Criminal Law deals with offences against the state or society. Its purpose is to keep public order and safety by punishing wrongdoers. Criminal offences include theft, murder, assault, and fraud. The state (represented by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)) prosecutes the accused. The victim is a witness/evidentiary tool.