There is one main difference: who is doing the prosecuting:
Criminal. The State or Federal Government files charges.
Ex: The People of the State of California vs. Orenthal James Simpson
Civil. An individual or private organization files charges.
Ex: 'Kramer vs. Kramer'
The results of civil cases usually result in damages - money.
A guilty plea or verdict in criminal cases always leads to jail and/or prison time...frequently money as well (restitution)
The key differences between federal and state court systems lie in their jurisdiction and authority. Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws, the Constitution, and disputes between states. State courts have jurisdiction over cases involving state laws, local ordinances, and most civil and criminal matters within their state. Federal courts have authority to interpret federal laws and the Constitution, while state courts have authority to interpret state laws and their own state constitution.
Most criminal cases are heard in state courts because criminal law is primarily under the jurisdiction of state governments. States have their own criminal codes and court systems to handle cases involving violations of state laws. Federal courts typically only hear criminal cases involving violations of federal laws.
The u.s. District Courts are the trial courts of all Federal Court Systems. Both civil and criminal cases are filed here.
Yes, the states hear far more criminal cases than the federal courts do.
The dual court system is the distinction of state and federal courts that make up the judicial branch of government.Dual court system refers to the separate Federal and State tracks under the umbrella of the Judicial branch of the United States government. Federal courts hear criminal and civil cases that involve constitutional and federal law, policies and special subject matter (such as Bankruptcy, or Federal Tax); while State courts reserve the power to hear civil and criminal cases related to state laws and state constitutional issues.
The State Circuit Courts. In the federal system, the US District Courts.
The key differences between state and federal court systems in the United States are the types of cases they handle, their jurisdiction, and the laws they apply. State courts primarily handle cases involving state laws and issues, while federal courts handle cases involving federal laws and issues. Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between states, and cases involving parties from different states. State courts have jurisdiction over cases involving state laws, local ordinances, and disputes between residents of the same state. Additionally, federal courts are established by the U.S. Constitution and have limited jurisdiction, while state courts are established by state constitutions and have broader jurisdiction.
Criminal justice classes study the systems and processes of criminal justice in their own nation. In the United States this means learning about the police, the courts, and the correctional agencies, and then learning how a criminal case would move through these agencies. Further classes may learn more about the specifics of criminal law, or the moral implications of different systems.
Two types: Criminal Courts and Civil Courts.
Gary A. Rabe has written: 'Criminal courts' -- subject(s): Administration of Criminal justice, Criminal courts
N. Gary Holten has written: 'The criminal courts' -- subject(s): Criminal courts, Criminal procedure
George Thomas Evans has written: 'Criminal courts in Canada' -- subject(s): Criminal courts, Criminal procedure