What is the difference between criminal and civil procedure?

The difference between criminal and civil procedure is the type of cases that are heard within each one. Criminal procedure deals with cases that involve criminal law and violations of criminal statutes. Criminal procedure is primarily concerned with the enforcement of criminal laws, the apprehension and prosecution of alleged criminals, and the protection of the rights of the accused. Civil procedure, on the other hand, deals with disputes between individuals or legal entities, such as corporations or governments. Civil procedure can involve cases related to contracts, torts, landlord and tenant disputes, civil rights, or personal injury cases. Civil procedure is focused on settling disputes in a fair manner, usually through a court hearing or trial. In Maryland, criminal procedure is handled in the circuit courts, while civil procedure is handled in the district and circuit courts. In criminal court, the State of Maryland brings the case against the accused, and the process typically begins with an arrest. In civil court, the parties involved bring the case against each other, and the process usually begins with a complaint filed by the plaintiff. In criminal procedure, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning that the jury must be convinced of the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil procedure, the standard of proof is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning that the jury must believe it is more likely than not that the plaintiff is correct. In criminal procedure, the accused can be found guilty of a crime and sentenced to jail time, community service, or fines. In civil procedure, the court may order the parties to pay damages or monetary awards to the injured party.

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What is the difference between criminal and civil procedure?

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