What is a civil case vs a criminal case? Compare and contrast with examples

A civil case and a criminal case are two different types of legal cases with different objectives, procedures, and consequences.

A civil case is a legal dispute between two or more parties, usually over a disagreement or harm that one party caused the other. The objective of a civil case is to resolve the dispute and provide a remedy or compensation to the party who was wronged. In a civil case, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case, and the standard of proof is usually based on a preponderance of evidence.

The outcome of a civil case is usually a monetary judgment or an order for specific performance or an injunction.

Examples of civil cases include disputes over contracts, personal injury claims, property disputes, and family law matters such as divorce and child custody.

A criminal case, on the other hand, is a legal proceeding brought by the government against an individual who has been accused of committing a crime.

The objective of a criminal case is to punish the accused person for the crime committed, deter others from committing similar crimes, and protect the public from harm. In a criminal case, the burden of proof is higher than in a civil case, and the standard of proof is usually based on beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome of a criminal case is a guilty or not guilty verdict and a sentence, which may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or other penalties.

Examples of criminal cases include theft, assault, drug offenses, and other violations of the law.

In summary, a civil case involves a dispute between two parties and seeks to provide a remedy or compensation for the wronged party, while a criminal case involves an accusation of a crime and seeks to punish the accused person for the crime committed.