Lesson 15; Civil and Criminal Law
Law enforcement officers encounter complaints of a criminal nature as well as calls that
require a civil judge's verdict. Criminal law pertains to individuals or businesses who
have been victims of crimes that are personal in nature. Crimes such as murders,
assaults, robberies, burglaries and thefts.
Criminal laws are laws that were put into place to protect the public society or state from
becoming victims. Criminal laws are tried in federal, state and municipal courts. These
crimes are punishable by death (in some states), prison time, jail time, probation, fines,
restitution and community service. A civil law protects an individual or other private
parties, such as a business from damages as a result of negligence, defamation or breach
of contract. Civil crimes are not arrestable offenses, and law enforcement does not take
action regarding civil issues. Officers may be called in as witnesses for civil suits
regarding vehicle collisions, where one party is suing another for damages or injuries
inflicted. In most states officers may charge a fee if they're called to testify in a non law
enforcement related issue.
Civil cases can be brought by the party that feels they're wronged by filing suit in civil
court. The cases are generally decided by a judge or settled prior to court. In a criminal
trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil trial, the
burden of proof is much lower. The plaintiff or victim can establish the defendant's
liability by a preponderance of the evidence. A civil judge or jury can examine evidence,
and if it appears the violation likely occurred, then monetary damages can be awarded
to the victim.
Law enforcement officers encounter complaints of a criminal nature as well as calls that
require a civil judge's verdict. Criminal law pertains to individuals or businesses who
have been victims of crimes that are personal in nature. Crimes such as murders,
assaults, robberies, burglaries and thefts.
Criminal laws are laws that were put into place to protect the public society or state from
becoming victims. Criminal laws are tried in federal, state and municipal courts. These
crimes are punishable by death (in some states), prison time, jail time, probation, fines,
restitution and community service. A civil law protects an individual or other private
parties, such as a business from damages as a result of negligence, defamation or breach
of contract. Civil crimes are not arrestable offenses, and law enforcement does not take
action regarding civil issues. Officers may be called in as witnesses for civil suits
regarding vehicle collisions, where one party is suing another for damages or injuries
inflicted. In most states officers may charge a fee if they're called to testify in a non law
enforcement related issue.
Civil cases can be brought by the party that feels they're wronged by filing suit in civil
court. The cases are generally decided by a judge or settled prior to court. In a criminal
trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil trial, the
burden of proof is much lower. The plaintiff or victim can establish the defendant's
liability by a preponderance of the evidence. A civil judge or jury can examine evidence,
and if it appears the violation likely occurred, then monetary damages can be awarded
to the victim.
