Civil Rights
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Have you ever wondered how a defendant can be tried in both civil and criminal courts? Take, for example, the recent $3 million judgment against Arizona self-help guru James Arthur Ray. He is already serving time in jail after being found guilty of negligent homicide. The $3 million settlement was in response to civil lawsuits filed by some victims' families.
Civil and criminal cases do have marked differences. In certain situations, a civil case's burden of proof is lower, making it more likelihood that plaintiffs prevail in civil court.
There's an infamous example we all remember: the OJ Simpson case. Simpson was acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. In his civil trial, he was found liable for their wrongful death.
So what exactly is the difference between a civil suit and a criminal suit?
In many situations, similar actions can result in both civil and criminal charges. "Assault" and "battery," for instance, are often covered under a state's civil statutes and criminal codes.
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