1. The difference between civil and criminal cases
Objective 5.10
The difference between
civil and criminal
cases

2. The court settles a disagreement between two parties
civil case
The court settles a disagreement between two parties
Some examples:
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Business
Person vs. government

3. Why is trial occurring?
There is a dispute between two parties resulting in a lawsuit
-ownership of property, injuries, money, breech of contract
Who is involved??
Plaintiff- Party filing the complaint
VS.
Defendant- The party being sued by the plaintiff
The goal of the trial??
Judge decides if defendant will pay $$$ damages to plaintiff

4. criminal case
The court decides if a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty

5. Types of criminal charges
Felony
Serious crime such as homicide or kidnapping.
Results in jail time, loss of citizens’ rights, possible death penalty

6. Types of criminal charges
Misdemeanor
Less serious crime such as traffic violation or minor theft
Results in fine, probation, some jail time

7. Why is trial occurring?
A person is accused of breaking the law by committing a crime
Who is involved??
Prosecution- Government lawyers trying to prove guilt
Vs.
Defense- Lawyers of the accused trying to prove innocence
The goal of the trial??
Based on evidence, is defendant guilty of committing a crime?
Jury decides guilt/Innocence
Judge decides punishment

8. Criminal or civil?

9. Criminal or civil?
He broke the law.
My client is innocent

10. Criminal or civil?
He robbed a bank.

11. Criminal or civil? prosecution defendant It was a felony. represents
the government
defendant

12. Criminal or civil?
GUILTY
prosecution
defendant

13. of a felony. prosecution defendant
Criminal or civil?
of a felony.
prosecution
defendant

14. criminal Go to the state pen. prosecution defendant

15. Criminal or civil?

16. Criminal or civil?
Your dog bit my leg.

17. Criminal or civil?
I’m suing you.
plaintiff

18. civil
I did nothing wrong
plaintiff

19. civil
I’m not
paying
damages.
defendant
plaintiff

20. Defendant is liable for $5,000.
Criminal or civil?
Defendant is liable for $5,000.
defendant
plaintiff

21. civil defendant plaintiff $5,000

22. Which court would have heard this case?
District Court
because a jury/judge is deciding in the original trial

23. If found guilty, what could this person do next??
Appeal case to the US Court of Appeals