What is the difference between criminal law and civil law?
Civil law suits are private suits between two or more citizens. Civil law is the area of law by which private individuals resolve their differences with the help of the civil courts. Criminal law involves an action initiated by the federal government or a state against a citizen or a business. The criminal laws of the federal government and all individual states are codified into statutes. When an individual allegedly violates a law, as listed in the statutes, then the federal government or a state can prosecute the individual. The remedies available in civil courts are generally limited to money damages. The remedies in criminal court may involve a money fine and/or a jail or prison sentence.
