What is the main function of criminal law?
To protect and vindicate PUBLIC rights.
What is the main function of civil law?
To resolve PRIVATE disputes.
Whose rights do civil laws protect?
Private Rights: a civil wrong or injury resulting from a breach of a legal duty.
Whose rights do criminal laws protect?
Public Rights: a person victimized via murder, assault, rape or another crime directed at a person.
Because criminal laws protect public interest, who prosecutes these crimes?
Criminal prosecutions are handled through the state or federal government. representative i.e. the State of California or by a district attorney
Who prosecutes plaintiffs in civil law?
Private attorneys retained by either party.
What burden of proof is needed to prosecute a defendant in criminal law?
Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant committed the crime they are charged with,
What burden of proof is needed to begin a civil law case?
The plaintiff need only prove a preponderance of evidence.
Criminal Law crimes may include:
murder, assault, rape, property crimes, theft, and vandalism.
Civil Law crimes may include:
breach of contracts, car accident, divorce, and lawsuits.
