What is the difference between criminal
law and civil law?
Civil law suits are private suits between two or more citizens. Civil
law is the area of law by which private individuals resolve their
differences with the help of the civil courts. Criminal law involves a citizen or a business and the state. The rules
of the federal government and all individual state governments are
codified into statutes. When an individual violates the rules, as
listed in the statutes, then the federal government or the state will
prosecute the individual. The remedies available in civil courts are
generally limited to money damages. The remedies in criminal court
may involve a money fine and/or a prison sentence.
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Can some activities be both a criminal offense
and a civil offense?
Yes. For example, If John punches Bob, John may be guilty of battery
in a criminal court and liable to Bob for battery in a civil court.
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Is being guilty the same as being liable?
Whether
you paid for medical care out of your own pocket or your health insurance
covered it is none of a claims adjuster's business. The same goes
for whether your lost time at work was covered by sick leave or vacation
pay. In fact, it is improper for an adjuster even to ask about such
payments. You paid for your health insurance and earned your sick
leave or vacation pay; now the insurance for the person who caused
the accident has to pay. Your own health insurance, however, may require
that, out of your settlement, you reimburse it for some or all of
the amounts it has paid to treat your injuries.
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How could a person be found not guilty
in his criminal case, yet, liable in his civil case?
If you are injured in an accident, it is important to seek treatment
immediately. Sometimes serious injuries do not cause immediate pain.
If you experience even minor pain after an accident, seek treatment
immediately. Remember to obtain the name, address, license number,
and insurance information from the other drivers involved.
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