Civil Vs. Criminal Law (Punishment)

There are several differences between civil and criminal law and it is important to understand each one. One of the more important and more drastic differences is that of punishment.

Those who are being charged under the criminal law face three punishments:

1. The guilty party will serve a determined amount of time in prison.
2. The guilty party will be forced to pay a fine to the government.
3. The guilty party will be given the death penalty and will serve time in prison until the date for their penalty has arrived. (only in certain US states and countries)

Those who are being punished under the civil law will never have to face execution or prison time. The only thing that the guilty party will have to do is to repay any losses and/or damages that have been incurred against the innocent person.
The defendant can be awarded ‘punitive’ damages (compensation) if the accused:

1. Had the desire to harm someone and followed through on it.
2. Performed gross or general negligence.
3. Did not bother or care for the personal rights of someone.