What differentiates the criminal justice system from the civil justice system?

The distinction between the criminal justice system and the civil justice system primarily lies in the parties involved and the nature of the cases. In the civil justice system, cases typically arise between individual parties or entities, where one party seeks legal remedy or compensation from another for harm or wrongs done. On the other hand, the criminal justice system is characterized by cases that are brought by the state or government against individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. In this context, the community is represented by the government, which seeks to uphold laws and maintain public order through prosecution.

This differentiation highlights the focus and underlying principles of each system: civil law aims to resolve disputes and provide compensation, while criminal law seeks to punish wrongdoers and deter future offenses for the benefit of society. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes that civil cases involve individual parties, whereas criminal cases involve and are prosecuted in the name of the community.