What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

Criminal and civil law are two distinct categories of law that govern different types of criminal and civil matters. Criminal law deals with enforcing penalties for violations of criminal statutes, which are laws enacted by the government to protect the public. Most criminal convictions are for misdemeanor or felony offenses, such as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and assault. In California, criminal law is enforced by both state and federal governments, and punishments for criminal convictions can include fines, restitution, incarceration, or a combination thereof. Civil law, on the other hand, is a body of law that governs disputes between private parties—typically individuals, organizations, or businesses—in a court of law. Civil law allows individuals to resolve disputes through a private court process, as opposed to a criminal court process. In California, civil law is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Code of Civil Procedure. The primary difference between criminal and civil law is the purpose of the law and the types of cases the law governs. Criminal law is used to prosecute those who have committed a crime and to punish those convicted. Civil law, however, is used to resolve disputes between private parties and to award compensation to those who have suffered wrongs.

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What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

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