What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

Criminal and civil law are two very different branches of law. Criminal law deals with crimes committed by individuals or organizations against society as a whole. In criminal law, the state takes the lead in prosecuting the accused, and the burden of proof lies on the prosecutor to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. Punishment for criminal offenses typically involve fines, prison time, or both. Civil law, on the other hand, deals with disputes between two or more parties, typically individuals or organizations. In civil law, an individual or organization suing another individual or organization has the burden of proof for their claim and must establish their case by a preponderance of the evidence. Punishment for civil matters usually includes monetary damages or injunctive relief. Ultimately, the primary difference between criminal and civil law is that criminal law is concerned with the prosecution of those who commit crimes against society while civil law is concerned with the resolution of disputes between individuals or organizations. In Delaware, both criminal and civil law are handled in the Court of Chancery or Superior Court.

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