Final answer:
The two subcategories of tort law are negligence and strict liability. Tort law, part of civil law, differs from criminal law in the nature of the disputes and the standards of proof required in court. The distinction allows for both criminal charges and civil suits regarding the same act, as in the O.J. Simpson case.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two subcategories of tort law are a) Negligence and strict liability. Tort law is a branch of civil law, which is one of the major categories of law alongside criminal law. In tort law, negligence refers to harm caused by carelessness or failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. On the other hand, strict liability applies to situations where a party is held liable for damages regardless of fault or intent. For example, manufacturers may be held strictly liable for harm caused by defective products.
It's important to distinguish between criminal and civil law. Criminal law involves laws established by governments that define conduct harmful to society and impose punishments. Civil law, however, deals with disputes between private parties where one alleges harm by the other. State and federal courts hear both civil and criminal law matters, indicated by the correct answer to the provided problem, which is c) both civil and criminal law.
Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction due to the severe penalties, such as loss of liberty or life. In contrast, civil cases require a lower standard of proof, known as a preponderance of the evidence, because the defendant usually risks property loss. This distinction allows for someone acquitted in a criminal case to still face civil liability, as was the case with O.J. Simpson, who was found not guilty in criminal court but was subsequently sued in civil court.