What distinguishes civil law from criminal law?

The distinction between civil law and criminal law is fundamentally rooted in the nature of the cases each system addresses. Civil law pertains to the resolution of disputes between private individuals or entities, such as lawsuits concerning contracts, property, family matters, or torts, which are wrongful acts leading to harm or injury. The primary aim in civil law is to provide remedies to the aggrieved party, typically through compensation or specific performance rather than punishment.

On the other hand, criminal law involves actions that are considered offenses against the state or public, such as theft, assault, or murder. In these cases, the state prosecutes the accused individual, and the outcomes may include penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or community service, emphasizing societal protection and deterrence.

This fundamental difference highlights the contrasting goals and parties involved in civil versus criminal law, cementing the first choice as the correct answer to the question regarding their distinctions.