2 Types of Law: Criminal and Civil

Criminal Law Charges are brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime Charges are brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime Defendant must be proven guilty BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT by the Prosecutor Defendant must be proven guilty BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT by the Prosecutor Crimes are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors Crimes are categorized as felonies or misdemeanors Penalties can include incarceration Penalties can include incarceration

Civil Law Regulates relations between individuals or groups of individuals Regulates relations between individuals or groups of individuals A civil action (lawsuit) can be brought by a wronged or injured party A civil action (lawsuit) can be brought by a wronged or injured party The plaintiff must attempts to recover damages from the defendant The plaintiff must attempts to recover damages from the defendant Case is decided on a preponderance of evidence Case is decided on a preponderance of evidence

Classic Example of Criminal versus Civil Trial

The Murder Trial Role of the media Role of the media Steps in a criminal trial Steps in a criminal trial Wealth and race Wealth and race Difference between criminal and civil trials Difference between criminal and civil trials Roles of professionals Roles of professionals