The legal system in the United States is divided into two main branches: civil law and criminal law. While criminal law focuses on cases involving criminal offenses, civil law deals with disputes between private parties, organizations, or government entities. Civil law cases can encompass a wide range of issues, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and employment discrimination, among others.
WHAT IS CIVIL LAW?
One of the primary objectives of civil law is to provide a means of resolving disputes and compensating individuals who have suffered harm or loss as a result of another party’s actions. In a civil law case, the plaintiff, who is the person or entity bringing the suit, must prove that the defendant, who is the person or entity being sued, is liable for the harm or loss they have suffered. The plaintiff must also establish the number of damages they are seeking to recover.
Civil law cases are typically resolved through a trial by jury, although some cases may be resolved through mediation or arbitration. In a jury trial, a panel of individuals from the community is selected to hear the case and render a verdict. The jury’s decision is based on the evidence presented by both parties during the trial.
One of the key features of civil law cases in the United States is the concept of “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the plaintiff must prove that their version of the case is likely to have occurred. Unlike criminal cases, where the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” civil cases have a lower standard of proof.
TYPES OF CIVIL CASES
Some of the most common types of civil law cases in the United States include personal injury claims, contract disputes, and employment discrimination cases. Personal injury claims typically arise when someone is injured as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions.
Contract disputes are another common type of civil law case. These cases involve a breach of contract, which occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations under a legally binding agreement. Examples of contract disputes include disputes over employment contracts, real estate transactions, and business contracts.
In addition to these common types of civil law cases, there are also property disputes, environmental law cases, and intellectual property disputes, among others.
In Conclusion
Civil law cases play a vital role in the legal system in the United States. These cases provide individuals and organizations with a means of resolving disputes and seeking compensation for harm or loss they have suffered. Ward K Johnson assists people with their civil cases to help them strategize, negotiate and fight any incidents in court. Whether it is a personal injury claim, a contract dispute, or an employment discrimination case, at Ward K Johnson, civil law cases are handled by specialized attorneys who are licensed to practice in federal and regional courts. With a legal system that is designed to protect the rights of individuals and ensure justice is served, civil law cases remain an important aspect of the American legal system.