LAW-2150 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Actus Reus, Jury Trial, Mens Rea
Document Summary
Civil law outlines the duties existing between several people and/or people and their governments. A crime is an offense against society as a whole set forth in a statute. Prosecuted by a public official (da or ag) Key differences between civil law and criminal law- criminal cases receive more safeguards due to the higher consequence (i. e. higher burden of proof) Civil cases are proven by a preponderance of the evidence (based on the evidence, the plaintiff"s claim is more than likely true) The wrongful act causes harm to a person or their property. Typically only of the jury must agree on the verdict. Criminal cases are proven beyond a reasonable doubt (the jury"s verdict must be not guilty" if the evidence does not wholly prove the guilt of the defendant) The wrongful act violates a statute that prohibits some type of activity. Almost always the jury"s verdict must be unanimous. Designed to punish criminals and deter others from committing crimes.
