What is the difference between civil and criminal law?

Civil and criminal law are two different bodies of law that govern a society and its people. Civil law deals with conflicts between individuals, such as claims from one person against another for damages caused by negligence, breach of contract, and other matters. Criminal law, on the other hand, applies to cases in which the government seeks to prove that an individual has committed a crime. In civil law, the main focus is on resolving the dispute between two individuals, and the penalty is typically in the form of damages or restitution. This means that the court hands down a payment from one party to the other as compensation for any losses sustained. Criminal law, on the other hand, is a more serious matter. A person charged with a crime can be subject to some of the most severe penalties, including incarceration and financial fines. The purpose of criminal law is to punish those who have violated the law and to deter others from committing similar offenses. Another key difference between civil and criminal law is the burden of proof. In civil cases, the standard is "preponderance of the evidence," which means that the side presenting the strongest evidence will typically prevail. In criminal cases, however, the standard is "beyond a reasonable doubt," meaning that the prosecution must present enough evidence to convince the jury that the defendant is guilty. In Maryland, all civil and criminal cases are handled in the courts. The court system includes trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. Although the same court system hears both civil and criminal cases, they are handled differently, and the burden of proof is much higher in criminal cases.

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