Criminal Law vs. Civil Law

Amanda C. (United States of America)
101 words 32 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Definition First
Print Flashcards

Other learning activities

Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!

Teaching tools

Create and assign quizzes to your students to test their vocabulary. Assign learning activities including Practice, Vocabulary Jams and Spelling Bees to your students, and monitor their progress in real-time.

Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. wrongful death
    a death that results from a wrongful act or from negligence
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  2. burden of proof
    the responsibility to show evidence of a disputed claim
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  3. football hero
    a football player who has achieved a reputation for success
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  4. wrongful
    not just or fair
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  5. first degree
    a degree of one
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  6. punitive damages
    extra money that punishes the defendant and compensate the plaintiff
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  7. criminal prosecution
    the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  8. preponderance
    exceeding in heaviness; having greater weight
    The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
  9. recklessly
    in a reckless manner
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  10. criminal court
    a court having jurisdiction over criminal cases
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  11. defendant
    someone against whom an action is brought in a court of law
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  12. criminal
    someone who has committed a punishable act
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  13. punitive
    inflicting punishment
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  14. jury
    a body of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a court of law
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  15. acquit
    pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  16. civilly
    in a civil manner
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  17. reasonably
    to a moderately sufficient extent or degree
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  18. accountable
    responsible for one's actions
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  19. contradiction
    opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  20. confuse
    mistake one thing for another
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  21. civil
    of or occurring between or among citizens of the state
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  22. reasonable
    showing sound judgment
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  23. plaintiff
    a person who brings an action in a court of law
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  24. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  25. proven
    established beyond doubt
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  26. burden
    weight to be carried or borne
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  27. acquitted
    declared not guilty of a specific offense or crime
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  28. damages
    a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  29. specifically
    in distinction from others
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  30. legally
    by law; conforming to the law
    In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
  31. first step
    the first of a series of actions
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  32. Simpson
    United States divorcee whose marriage to Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  33. murder
    unlawful premeditated killing of a human being
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  34. accuse
    blame for; make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  35. case
    an occurrence of something
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  36. malice
    the desire to see others suffer
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  37. prosecution
    legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  38. lesser
    of smaller size or importance
    The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
  39. death
    the permanent end of all life functions in an organism
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  40. victim
    an unfortunate person who suffers from adverse circumstances
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  41. liable
    subject to legal action
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  42. definition
    a brief explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  43. proof
    any evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  44. seeming
    appearing as such but not necessarily so
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  45. require
    have need of
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  46. involve
    contain as a part
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  47. deliberately
    in a careful unhurried manner
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  48. murderer
    a criminal who commits homicide
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  49. guilt
    the state of having committed an offense
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  50. beyond
    farther along in space or time or degree
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  51. football
    a team sport played with an oval or round ball
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  52. trial
    the act of testing something
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  53. responsible for
    being the agent or cause
    In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
  54. confused
    unable to think with clarity or act intelligently
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  55. different
    unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  56. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
  57. doubt
    the state of being unsure of something
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  58. convict
    find or declare guilty
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  59. damage
    the occurrence of a change for the worse
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  60. accused
    a defendant in a criminal proceeding
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  61. degree
    a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  62. responsible
    worthy of or requiring trust; held accountable
    In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
  63. act
    behave in a certain manner
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  64. a great deal
    to a very great degree or extent
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  65. great deal
    (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  66. on the other hand
    (contrastive) from another point of view
    In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
  67. court
    an assembly to conduct judicial business
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  68. committed
    bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a cause or action
    A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
  69. do in
    get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing
    But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
  70. understanding
    the condition of someone who knows and comprehends
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  71. unable
    lacking necessary physical or mental ability
    A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
  72. directed
    (often used in combination) having a specified direction
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  73. held
    occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  74. commit
    engage in or perform
    A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
  75. find
    discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  76. hero
    someone who fights for a cause
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  77. required
    necessary by rule
    The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
  78. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
  79. James
    disciple of Jesus
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  80. first
    preceding all others in time or space or degree
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  81. direct
    proceeding without interruption
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  82. hold
    have in one's hands or grip
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  83. show
    make visible or noticeable
    In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
  84. fail
    be unable
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  85. former
    the first of two or the first mentioned of two
    Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
  86. system
    a group of independent elements comprising a unified whole
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  87. prove
    establish the validity of something
    And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
  88. deal
    be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  89. might
    physical strength
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  90. cause
    events that provide the generative force of something
    A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
  91. step
    the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  92. alone
    isolated from others
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  93. understand
    know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  94. person
    a human being
    You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
  95. wife
    a married woman; a partner in marriage
    A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
  96. law
    the collection of rules imposed by authority
    The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
  97. done
    having finished or arrived at completion
    Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
  98. may
    thorny shrub of a small tree having white to scarlet flowers
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  99. friend
    a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
    A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
  100. also
    in addition
    So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
  101. found
    set up
    A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
Created on Tue Jul 13 10:48:49 EDT 2010 (updated Fri May 06 10:11:08 EDT 2011)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.