What is the difference between criminal court and civil court when it comes to liquor liability claims?

When it comes to liquor liability claims in North Carolina, the difference between criminal court and civil court is primarily the type of proceedings and the amount of relief that can be granted. In criminal court, a case is brought by the State of North Carolina against the accused and involves serious sanctions, such as jail time. It is a public prosecution in which the state must prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because this is a criminal matter, any judgments or rulings may not award the plaintiff any financial relief. In civil court, a case is brought by the plaintiff against the accused for damages and it is not a public prosecution. The plaintiff does not need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but must only show that it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable. Additionally, the court may order the defendant to pay damages or make other remedies if the plaintiff is successful in their claim. So, the main differences between criminal court and civil court when it comes to liquor liability claims is the type of proceedings, the burden of proof, and the type of relief that can be granted. In criminal court, the state has to prove the accused’s guilt and there is no financial relief awarded. In civil court, the plaintiff has to prove it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable and the court may award the plaintiff financial relief.

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