Legal Methods and Systems - Intro to Law (2)

Distinction between Civil and Criminal Law:

The purposes:

Civil - To regulate relationships between individuals. To uphold the rights of individuals. To remedy wrongs suffered. Criminal - To maintain Law and Order; To protect society

The person starting the case:

Civil - The individual who's rights have been affected

Criminal - The state through the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) R vs. ...

The parties:

Civil - Claimant (who sues) Defendant (who's being sued) Criminal - Crown Prosecutor (who prosecutes)  Defendant (who answers charges)

Courts hearing the case:

Civil - County Court/High Court

Criminal - Magistrate's Court (6 month sentence/ £5000 fine) / Crown Court (Life Sentence)