Civil Law and Criminal Law Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts of Civil Law and Criminal Law from the lecture notes.

Civil Law

A body of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations and typically seeks compensation or damages.

Criminal Law

A system of law concerned with the punishment of offenders against the state or public.

Burden of Proof

In civil cases, the burden lies with the plaintiff to prove their case on the balance of probabilities.

Standard of Proof

In civil law, the plaintiff must prove their case on the balance of probabilities; in criminal law, the proof must be beyond reasonable doubt.

Plaintiff

The party who initiates a lawsuit in civil court, claiming to have suffered a loss.

Defendant

The party being accused or sued in a court of law.

Trespass

An unlawful act causing injury to a person or property; a wrongful entry onto someone's land.

Damages

Compensation awarded by a court to a person who has suffered loss or injury.

Injunction

A court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action.

Negligence

A failure to take proper care in doing something, which results in damage or injury to another.

Contributory Negligence

A defense in tort law whereby the plaintiff's own negligence played a role in the harm they suffered, potentially reducing their compensation.