What are the differences between civil and criminal law in tort?

The table below summarises the key differences between civil and criminal law in tort:

  Civil court Criminal court
Opposition Disputes between private parties State against an individual
Parties Plaintiff vs Defendant Prosecutor vs Defendant
Outcomes Liable / Not liable Guilty / Not guilty
Standard of proof Preponderance (more likely than not accurate – more than 50%) Beyond reasonable doubt
Consequences (defendant) Civil damages Criminal penalties
Penalties Damages/ fines paid by defendant to plaintiff Imprisonment, criminal fines paid to the government, even death
Procedures Civil procedure Criminal procedure

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