Criminal and civil laws explained
Criminal and civil laws that exist in our country help in the smooth running of the judicial machinery. There are several differences between these laws, some of them big differences at that. Most of the criminal law vs civil law discussions that occur tend to focus on various other aspects, and a few of them focus on the basic differences between these laws. Here are some differences between these laws, which are sure to improve your knowledge in this area of study.
Criminal laws
Laws are a set of rules that help in maintain peace in a society. Criminal laws, as the name suggests, deal with criminal acts, and the rules that a person has to follow so as not to be party to a criminal act. These provide a clear idea to the people, so that their conduct does not prove to be of a dangerous nature to society. Criminal laws also provide necessary information regarding the punishments that are required to be imposed upon those who fail to abide by these rules. The courts and the juries will therefore need to look into these laws and give punishments according to them.
It needs to be noted that the criminal laws are enforced by the state, while the civil laws are usually enforced by the parties involved. There are five objectives which are accepted for enforcement by punishment under criminal laws, and they are as follows: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and restitution.
Civil laws
It is considered by many that the most of the aspects of the current civil laws has its roots in the old Roman Empire laws. The then emperor of the Roman dynasty, Emperor Justinian, wanted a set of laws that were both simple and clear-cut. His vision led to the formation of a set of civil codes and this later formed the foundations of the civil laws in this country.
Criminal and civil laws
Civil laws in our country consist of various codes such as civil code, family code, child code and welfare code. These laws often settle disputes between private people and organizations. It is interesting to note that some cases, which might start as a civil offense, might later on involve a criminal offense. One such instance is when a person who has been served to appear in court for a traffic violation fails to do so, and this will then turn into a criminal offense.
This information regarding some valid points on criminal law vs civil law is sure to improve your knowledge in this field.