What is the difference between a civil action and a criminal action?

The main difference between a civil action and a criminal action is the parties involved and the remedies sought. In a criminal action, the government is the plaintiff and the accused is the defendant. This is because criminal law is designed to protect society as a whole from wrongful acts. The goal of a criminal action is for the government to prove the defendant is guilty and, if convicted, to hold the defendant accountable by imposing a criminal punishment, such as imprisonment, a fine, or probation. In a civil action, a private party is the plaintiff and the accused party is the defendant. These cases are usually disputes between two parties which can be individuals, businesses, or organizations. The goal of a civil action is for the plaintiff to receive compensation or justice for a wrong done to them by the defendant. The remedies sought in a civil action are usually monetary damages, such as restitution or punitive damages. In Oregon specifically, the Oregon Court System provides civil case information online to help parties understand their rights and obligations in civil court.

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What is the difference between a civil action and a criminal action?

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