How is a criminal court different from a civil court?

In South Carolina, criminal courts and civil courts are two different types of courts that handle different types of cases. Criminal courts focus on cases involving violations of criminal law, often referred to as “white collar crimes.” Civil courts handle disputes between two private parties, rather than criminal law. In criminal courts, the state or the public brings a case against an individual or a group of people accused of a crime. A jury or judge will decide if the accused is “guilty” or “not guilty” of the crime. If found guilty, the accused may be punished with a fine, jail time, or other sentences. In civil courts, two private parties resolve their dispute through a trial or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. A judge or jury is not involved, but instead, a mediator or arbitrator helps the two parties come to an agreement, such as a settlement. The two parties can be individuals, companies, or organizations. Criminal court is serious and has heavier consequences, while civil court is more focused on resolution and reconciliation between the two parties. A civil court is not focused on punishment, but rather a resolution between the two parties. The outcome of a civil case is usually monetary damages or a change in the behavior of the defendant.

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