What is the difference between civil and criminal cases in the U.S. justice system?

In the United States, the justice system is divided into two main categories: civil law and criminal law. Both of these types of cases are heard in courts and involve different sets of laws and procedures.

A civil case is a lawsuit between two parties, usually individuals or organizations, that involves a legal dispute over money, property, or some other civil matter. Civil cases can also involve claims for breach of contract, personal injury, defamation, and more. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases, as the plaintiff must only prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence.

On the other hand, a criminal case is a legal proceeding brought by the government against an individual or entity accused of committing a crime. In criminal cases, the government is represented by a prosecutor, and the defendant is represented by a defense attorney. Criminal cases can involve charges for crimes such as murder, assault, theft, and more. The burden of proof in criminal cases is much higher than in civil cases, as the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Overall, civil cases are meant to compensate individuals or organizations for harm caused by others, while criminal cases are meant to punish individuals or entities for violating the law.