How does civil law differ from criminal law?

Civil law primarily deals with disputes between private individuals or entities rather than with offenses against the state. In civil cases, the parties involved are typically two independent parties seeking resolution for issues such as contracts, property disputes, or torts. The standard of evidence used in civil law is known as "preponderance of evidence," which means that one party's evidence must be more convincing than the other's. This standard is generally lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used in criminal law, reflecting the different consequences involved.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the fundamental principles that guide legal proceedings in civil law versus criminal law. Civil law focuses on compensations or rectifications for personal grievances rather than punishment for crimes against society, which is the realm of criminal law. The nature of the challenges faced in civil law thus emphasizes the proof of claims by a greater weight of evidence rather than the high stakes inherent in criminal charges, where the consequences can include imprisonment or severe penalties.