When we look at the laws that deal with crime and disagreements, it’s important to understand how they are different. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Criminal Law:

• Purpose: Its goal is to punish people who break the law and keep everyone safe.
• Parties Involved: The government, called the prosecution, vs. the person accused of the crime, known as the defendant.
• Burden of Proof: The prosecution has to prove the case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means they need to show that there is very strong evidence against the defendant.
• Outcomes: If the defendant is found guilty, they might have to pay fines, do community service, or even go to jail.

Civil Law:

• Purpose: This law is used to settle arguments between people or groups.
• Parties Involved: The person who files the case, called the plaintiff, vs. the defendant.
• Burden of Proof: Here, the standard is lower. It’s based on what is “more likely than not.” This means they only need to show there is a better chance of being correct (like 51% certainty).
• Outcomes: If the defendant loses, they might have to pay money or do certain things, but they won’t go to jail.

In short, criminal law deals with breaking the law and punishment, while civil law is about resolving conflicts and getting something back. Knowing these differences helps us understand how our legal system works!