Criminal law aims to punish offenders and protect society, with cases prosecuted using public funds. Civil law instead focuses on resolving conflicts between private individuals and providing damages, with each party bearing their own costs. The key differences are that criminal law must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt while civil requires only the balance of probabilities, and criminal law pits the state against the defendant while civil sees a plaintiff versus defendant.

1. Divisions of law

3. Criminal Vs. Civil Law Criminal Civil Main purpose is to punish offenders and protect society Public funds pay for the investigation and prosecution Crown (society) vs. the defendant Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt Main purpose is to manage behaviour of those in conflict and pay damages to those wronged Individuals pay their own legal costs Plaintiff (person who starts the case) vs. the defendant Case must be proven on a “balance of probabilities” One side’s story and evidence must be believed more than the other

4. Criminal Law A set of rules passed by Parliament; define crimes and the penalties for them Most found in the Criminal Code. Other statutes also contain criminal laws

5. Constitutional Law The laws that describe the structure of the federal, provincial and territorial governments Also divides power between the different levels of government

6. Administrative Law Controls relationships between citizens and government agencies. Example: Liquor control boards

7. Family Law Relationships between individuals living together as spouses or partners Relationships between parents and children

8. Contract Law Outlines requirements for legally binding agreements Remedies for broken contracts

9. Tort Law Wrongs one person commits against another person

10. Property Law Legal rules that control the use, enjoyment, and rental of property.

11. Labour Law Governs the relationship between employers and employees.