How does civil law differ from criminal law?

Civil law differs from criminal law primarily in the parties involved and the standards of evidence used in legal proceedings. In civil law, the cases typically arise between two independent parties, where one party seeks compensation or resolution for a perceived wrong, such as breach of contract or personal injury. This contrasts with criminal law, where the government prosecutes an individual accused of committing a crime against society, indicating a more collective interest.

The standard of evidence in civil cases is the "preponderance of evidence," which means that the evidence must show that it is more likely than not that the claim is true. This is a lower threshold than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used in criminal law, which requires a much higher degree of certainty before someone can be convicted of a crime. Additionally, civil law typically results in remedies such as monetary compensation rather than incarceration or other punitive measures.

This distinction is critical in understanding the legal system, as it shapes the rights and responsibilities of individuals and the state in various legal contexts.