Final answer:
Civil liability pertains to disputes between private parties in civil law, often requiring monetary damages for harm, whereas statutory liability involves breaches of specific laws set by the legislature, potentially leading to fines or other penalties. Different standards of proof apply, with criminal cases requiring guilt 'beyond a reasonable doubt' and civil cases needing a 'preponderance of the evidence'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between civil and statutory liability principally lies in the nature of the laws breached and the remedies provided. Civil liability arises from civil law, which governs disputes between private parties. When one party alleges harm or injury by another, they can bring a civil lawsuit seeking remedies such as monetary damages or injunctions. An example of civil liability could be a case of breach of contract or negligence. Statutory liability, on the other hand, arises when someone violates a law enacted by the legislature. Statutory laws are codified and provide specific criteria and punishments, such as fines or other penalties.
The constitutional concept of double jeopardy does not apply to civil cases, which means that one can be tried in both civil and criminal court for the same action without violating the ban on double jeopardy. Moreover, different standards of proof apply: a criminal case requires proving guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt," while in a civil case, the plaintiff must prove the case by a "preponderance of the evidence." Cases like O.J. Simpson's, where the defendant was acquitted in a criminal trial but found liable in a civil trial, demonstrate how these branches of law operate independently.