What are the differences between criminal and civil law?

In Washington, criminal law is defined as a body of law that deals with punishing people who commit crimes, while civil law is established to handle disputes between private citizens. In criminal law, the state (or federal government) brings charges against a person for the conduct that violated the law, with penalties that could include jail time, fines, or other forms of punishment. In civil law, the court is asked to decide disputes between two private citizens, businesses, or organizations. Criminal laws are designed to protect society and the public from dangerous behavior, while civil law seeks to settle disputes in a manner that is fair and equitable to both parties. The standard of evidence is also different between criminal and civil cases. In a criminal trial, the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while a civil case requires the burden of proof to be by a preponderance of the evidence. Another difference is that criminal law provides for the punishment of offenders and is intended to deter similar offenses in the future, while civil law provides for compensation for those who have been wronged. In a criminal case, the accused may be found guilty in a court of law and may face repercussions in the form of a jail sentence or fine. In a civil case, the court may decide to award the plaintiff damages (a sum of money or property) that is intended to make them “whole” again.

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What are the differences between criminal and civil law?

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