Civil and Criminal Cases

Charges are filed by the government

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Punishments include prison time, probation, and community service

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Occurs when one person sues another in court

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Features a prosecutor representing the government whose job is to prove guilt

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

The outcome of the case is usually decided by a judge (bench trial)

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Features a plaintiff who only has to have the superiority of evidence to win the case

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Outcome of the case is typically decided by an impartial jury

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

The punishment for the defendant can only include the payment of "damages"

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

The defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

Significant Supreme Court cases have arisen because of questions pertaining to civil rights issues

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case