Question

Which statement distinguishes a civil from a criminal case? a. a judge must be the one to determine the outcome. b. compensation is the remedy being sought as justice. c. the plaintiff will be a lawyer representing the government. d. the decision will be based on evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Answer 1

The distinguishing factor between civil and criminal cases is that b. compensation is sought as a remedy in civil cases, which require a lower standard of proof than criminal cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that distinguishes a civil from a criminal case is compensation is the remedy being sought as justice. This is because in civil cases, the plaintiff seeks a remedy in the form of compensation or other forms of relief from the defendant, whereas in criminal cases, the government seeks to impose sanctions such as imprisonment or fines on the defendant for breaking the law.

In civil cases, the standard of proof is the preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff's evidence must be more convincing than the defendant's. In contrast, in criminal cases, the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt, requiring much stronger evidence to convict the defendant.

Answer 2

In a civil case, the burden of proof is lower and the evidence has to show the defendant is liable. In a criminal case, the burden of proof is higher and the evidence must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove the case beyond a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the evidence presented weighs more on their side in the eyes of the jury or judge. On the other hand, in a criminal case, the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning there is no doubt in the minds of the jury that the defendant committed the crime they are accused of. This is a much higher burden of proof.