What is the difference between civil and criminal law?

Civil and criminal law are two different legal systems in Kansas. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, businesses, or other entities, and is usually categorized as contractual disputes, property damage claims, or injuries caused by another person or entity. Criminal law, on the other hand, is a legal system whereby the state prosecutes individuals for committing a crime. It includes a system of punishments, such as fines, imprisonment, community service and restitution payments. The main difference between civil and criminal law is the standard of proof that determines guilt or innocence. In a criminal case, the degree of proof required is beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof. In a civil case, the degree of proof is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which is a lesser burden of proof. In addition, while civil cases are handled by private lawyers, a criminal case is handled by prosecutors employed by the state. In a civil case, the outcome is typically a monetary award in the form of damages. In a criminal case, the outcome may be a jail sentence or repayment to victims. In Kansas, all court proceedings are in Kansas state courts. These courts handle both criminal and civil matters. The Supreme Court of Kansas is the highest court in the state and has appellate jurisdiction over all other courts. The Kansas court system is composed of lower courts, including district courts, municipal courts, county courts, and other specialized courts.

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