Criminal law involves a wrong against SOCIETY the accused is PROSECUTED by the government , the GOVERNMENT is the plaintiff, the outcome is GUILTY or NOT GUILTYand the punishment involves FINES , JAIL or DEATH. The burden of proof is BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT Civil law involves a wrong against a PERSON or DISPUTE between two PEOPLE, a PERSON is the plaintiff, the outcome is FOR PLAINTIFF or FOR DEFENDANT, and the punishment involves DAMAGES or other types of court ordersThe burden of proof is usually PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE.
Classify the scenarios below as either criminal or civil law and explain why you chose that classification using the elements above. 1. John backed into Larry’s car in a parking lot. 2. Ralph was driving his car while intoxicated 3. Bob broke into Steve’s house and stole his $10,000 coin collection 4. Gary struck Dave during a bar fight, breaking Dave’s nose.
