What is the key distinction between civil law and criminal law?

The key distinction between civil law and criminal law lies in the nature of the cases they handle and their fundamental purposes. Civil law primarily focuses on resolving disputes between individuals or organizations, addressing issues such as contracts, property, and family matters. The objective is to provide a remedy to the aggrieved party, which often involves compensation or specific performance rather than punishment.

In contrast, criminal law deals with offenses against the state or society as a whole, where the government prosecutes individuals for actions that are deemed harmful to public order. Here, the main aim is to impose penalties, which can include imprisonment, fines, or other forms of punishment, rather than resolving disputes for private individuals.

This distinction emphasizes the role of civil law in facilitating fair interactions and resolving conflicts between parties, while criminal law focuses on maintaining public order and punishing wrongdoing.