Civil Law

In a civil law case, the dispute typically involves private parties seeking resolution over non-criminal issues. For instance, in a breach of contract case, a plaintiff may sue a defendant for failing to fulfill a contractual obligation. The plaintiff must prove that a valid contract existed, the defendant breached the terms, and the breach caused damages. The case proceeds through several stages: filing a complaint, serving the defendant, discovery (where both parties exchange evidence), pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial where a judge or jury renders a decision. Remedies in civil cases usually involve monetary compensation or specific performance (requiring the defendant to fulfill their obligations). Unlike criminal cases, the burden of proof is "preponderance of the evidence," meaning the plaintiff must show that their version of events is more likely true than not. Civil cases aim to resolve disputes and provide redress rather than punish wrongdoing.