Final answer:
The American legal system, including both criminal and civil courses, serves to protect citizens' freedoms. The criminal court handles cases brought by the government, requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases involve private parties seeking compensation with a lower burden of proof. These systems work under a unified Constitution to ensure civil liberties are upheld.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American legal system comprises criminal and civil courts which are integral in protecting the freedoms afforded to citizens under the law. In a criminal trial, the government brings a case against an individual for crimes such as fraud or copyright infringement, and they can be sentenced to prison or even death if found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, in a civil trial, one private party brings a case against another, often seeking financial compensation, and must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence. The dual court system allows for a person to be tried in both criminal and civil court for related matters without the proceedings being considered double jeopardy.
The American judicial system, being a blend of state and federal courts, reflects the complexities of law interpretation across different jurisdictions. Yet, despite variances, the system is bound together by the U.S. Constitution ensuring civil liberties and rights.
It is within this framework that the courts operate to protect the freedoms of American citizens, ensuring due process and equal treatment under the law. Conflicts of interest, such as the civil liberties disputes or blue laws, while challenging, are critical in defining and defending these freedoms.