media has been inundated with big and sensational criminal law. Many have heard of these types of cases, but less known civil law case leaves many baffled. What is the difference between criminal and civil law matters involved? The reason criminal cases the law get so big consideration is that they are usually much more sensational and get the kind of speech that generated news to do. Private, by comparison, not as many shocking twists and turns and the stakes are not nearly as high. But there are even more differences between the two cases, as you will see.

One of the biggest differences between criminal and civil law case is punishment meted out. Depending on the severity of the crime, a man in a criminal case has more at stake. If convicted, a person accused in a criminal case can be jailed for a very long time and even face the death penalty. Crime in the criminal case is divided into two categories. The first are classified as felonies and carry serious penalties. The second category of criminal law are misdemeanors. These are generally less crime and lead a lighter punishment. Topping the list of felonies is a first degree murder charge. This comes with the risk of the most severe form of punishment. A person found guilty of a misdemeanor will most likely get a penalty in the form of fines, probation or a short time in prison.

In the civil case, the accused will never get punished like a person convicted of criminal case; even if the crime is just as serious. A person involved in a civil law case can not be sentenced to any jail time, no matter how short. Money, or damage, it is sought in a civil law case.

There are also different ways issues will be presented in a civil law case against criminal matter. In criminal cases the law, the plaintiff must build the case against the defendant and to prove guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. The defendant is presumed innocent until there is proof has been reached and the jury has been convinced of the guilt. In civil cases, the burden of proof is much less. If the jury believes that it is reasonable for the defendant to be guilty, then the verdict to be handed down. The burden of proof only need to be over 50% in civil law cases. If the defendant is found guilty and sentenced to pay a large sum, the plaintiff could never see this money if the defendant does not have it. This difference remained even when the crime committed is the same.