Legal FAQs

What is the difference between a criminal and a civil trial?

Criminal trials are conducted by government lawyers against people who are suspected of having broken the criminal code. Losing a criminal trial can sometimes land a person in jail or prison. A civil trial is usually between private citizens and does not involve the government unless the government is a party to the lawsuit. Usually the parties are fighting over money or property, and jail usually does not enter into the matter, except in cases of contempt of court.