What is the difference between civil and criminal procedure?

The difference between civil and criminal procedure is significant. Civil procedure is the set of rules that govern how civil lawsuits are filed, heard, and resolved in Washington state. It is used to settle disputes between opposing parties and seek a resolution that is fair to both parties. Criminal procedure, on the other hand, is the set of rules that govern the process of criminal cases. It involves the police, prosecution, defense, and judges. In criminal cases, the parties are the government (state or federal) and the accused. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of the crime they are charged with. The main difference between civil and criminal procedure is the burden of proof. In civil cases, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is at fault and liable for damages. In criminal cases, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution because the government is prosecuting the accused. The other main difference between the two is the standard of proof. In civil cases, the standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence, which means that the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is more likely than not at fault. In criminal cases, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, which means that the government must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. Civil procedure is often used to seek a resolution in a dispute, while criminal procedure is used to ensure justice is served. Both are important and must be understood thoroughly in order to ensure a fair and just outcome.

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