What is the difference between civil litigation and criminal litigation?

Civil litigation and criminal litigation are two distinct types of court proceedings. Civil litigation involves disputes between two or more private parties, while criminal litigation covers disputes between private individuals and the government. In civil litigation, the dispute is usually about a contractual issue, such as a breach of contract, or a tort action, such as an injury caused by someone’s negligence. The party filing the lawsuit seeks monetary damages or some other legal remedy such as an injunction, and the proceedings are heard in a civil court. In criminal litigation, the state or federal government prosecutes a party for breaking a law. This type of proceeding is heard in a criminal court, and the punishment is usually some form of jail time or fines. The government is the one pursues criminal charges, and a judge or jury determines guilt or innocence. In Maine, all civil disputes are handled in the superior court system, while criminal cases are handled in the state court system. Civil cases are considered civil matters, and criminal cases are considered criminal matters. There is also a special state court, known as the Maine Trial Court, which is designed to handle both civil and criminal cases. No matter the type of dispute, a person who believes that their rights have been violated or that they have been wronged by another person or party may seek legal counsel to pursue their case.

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What is the difference between civil litigation and criminal litigation?

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