What are the differences between a Civil & Criminal Case?
Our legal system recognizes two different kinds of legal cases: civil and criminal. A civil case is one in which a person who has a complaint may bring a legal action to protect his or her interests or collect money damages. The person claiming relief is called a plaintiff, petitioner, or complainant. The person against whom relief is sought is called a defendant or respondent. In a criminal case, the federal, state, or municipal government brings the action in the name of its citizens against a defendant who has been accused of committing a crime. Thus, criminal cases are prosecuted on behalf of the people of the State of Tennessee or all U.S. citizens for example. The people are represented by a prosecuting attorney such as the local county District Attorney General, the Attorney General for the State of Tennessee, or the United States Attorney General. In a criminal case, the defendant is charged with a crime against society such as murder, burglary, robbery, or theft. The legal act
