Understanding Different Types of Rules
You're surrounded by rules every day - from football's offside rule to your family's expectations. But legal rules are different because they're backed by the state and have real consequences. Unlike moral rules that rely on guilt or social disapproval, legal rules come with courts, police, and punishments.
Criminal law deals with crimes against society - think theft, assault, or murder. When someone commits a crime, it's actually considered an offence against the state that′swhycasesarecalled"RvSmith"−the′R′standsforRegina,meaningtheCrown. The police investigate, the Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes, and punishments include prison, fines, or community service.
Civil law is completely different - it's about disputes between individuals or businesses. If someone damages your property or breaks a contract with you, that's a civil matter. The goal isn't punishment but compensation - putting you back in the position you should have been in.
Key Point: The same act can break both criminal and civil law simultaneously - this is called double liability. For example, if someone punches you, they could face criminal charges AND have to pay you compensation in a civil court.