Differences between civil law and criminal law

Criminal law is

• concerned with breaches of the law that affect the whole of society and outlines the way people should act - what they can and cannot do

• the area of law covering the infringement of a person's rights

Civil law is

• the area of law covering the infringement of a person's rights and allows an individual to bring actions against other members of the public for a civil wrong done to them.

• concerned with breaches of the law that affect the whole of society and outlines the way people should act - what they can and cannot do

In civil law

• the burden of proof falls on prosecution to prove the accused is guilty ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ (standard of proof needed)

• the burden of proof falls on the plaintiff to prove that the defendant is liable on the ‘balance of probabilities’ (standard of proof needed).

The outcome of civil law

• is called a remedy such as compensation for damages

• is called a sanction, such as a term of imprisonment, a community based order or a fine.

The outcome of criminal law

• is called a sanction, such as a term of imprisonment, a community based order or a fine.

• is called a remedy such as compensation for damages

The standard of proof needed in criminal law is

• guilty 'beyond reasonable doubt'

• on the 'balance of probabilities'

The standard of proof needed in civil law is

• on the 'balance of probabilities'

• guilty 'beyond reasonable doubt'

The plaintiff is

• the individual or party who believes their rights have been infringed and is taking legal action in the hope of seeking compensation for loss or damages

• a person against whom a civil action is being brought against

The defendant is

• is a person against whom a civil action is being brought against (being sued by the plaintiff).

• the individual or party who believes their rights have been infringed and is taking legal action in the hope of seeking compensation for loss or damages

If found guilty,

• the defendant is acquitted.

• the defendant is convicted of the crime.