Types of Civil LawContracts: Voluntary promises between parties
who agree to do somethingProperty Law: Deals with use and ownership
of propertyFamily Law: Includes marriage, divorce, and parent-child
relationshipsTorts: Wrongful act for which injured party has right
to sue for damages
Civil Law ProcessHire a lawyer (usually)Plaintiff files
complaintDefendant receives summonsDiscovery: Both sides gather
evidenceResolution: Settlement (compromise) or mediation (neutral
party helps parties work out issues)Trial: Judge or jury hears
evidence & rules
Small Claims Court Hear civil cases over small debts, property
damage, landlord-tenant disputes, small business problems,
etc.Usually heard by judge, lawyers not requiredClaims have limit
$1,000-$5,000
Criminal LawGovernment charges person with crime (act that
breaks law or causes injury/harm)Types of crimePetty offenses:
illegal parking, littering, disturbing peace, speeding, etc.
(fine)Misdemeanors: vandalism, simple assault, inexpensive theft,
drunk/disorderly, etc. (fine, 1 year or less in jail)Felonies:
burglary, kidnapping, arson, rape, fraud, murder, etc.
(imprisonment, death)
Criminal Law ProcessInitial appearance: brought to judge within
24 hours & formally chargedPreliminary hearing/grand jury: hear
evidence, decide on need for trialPlea bargaining: plead guilty to
lesser crime(s), receive lesser consequencesArraignment: read
charges, enter pleaTrial: Jury hears evidence on both sides,
cross-examination allowedDecision & Sentencing: Jury meets to
decide case, judge decides punishment if guilty
