What is the aim of criminal law and civil law respectively?
Criminal law involves prosecuting offenders on behalf of the state for crimes against society (as a whole). This includes everything from stealing and dangerous driving to assault (including domestic violence) and murder. Even though it appears there may only be one victim in these offences, like a ripple effect it actually involves the whole community. A criminal court will usually impose sentences of fines, imprisonment, community service or loss of driving privileges. A civil case is usually a lawsuit between one person (or organisation) against another. To right a perceived wrong in a legal sense. It can include cases of defamation, neighbour disputes, negligence leading to personal injury or the recovery of debts. Judgements in a civil case could include payment of damages (and court costs) or an enforceable court order. Generally, the two “criminal” and “civil” cases don’t overlap, it’s either one or the other. The Police for example are only interested in attending matters of a
