Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) One Practice Exam

What is the primary difference between criminal law and civil law?

1. Criminal law deals with disputes between individuals; civil law addresses wrongs against society

2. Criminal law involves the government punishing offenders; civil law is about compensating victims

3. Criminal law is simplified; civil law is complex

4. Criminal law requires a jury trial; civil law does not

The correct answer is: Criminal law involves the government punishing offenders; civil law is about compensating victims

The primary distinction highlighted in the correct answer is the different purposes and outcomes associated with criminal law and civil law. Criminal law is fundamentally concerned with offenses that are deemed to be violations against the state or society as a whole. In this context, the government takes action to prosecute individuals accused of crimes, leading to penalties such as imprisonment or fines. This serves not only to punish the offender but also to deter others from committing similar offenses. On the other hand, civil law focuses on resolving disputes between private parties and seeks to provide compensation or restitution to the harmed party rather than punish the wrongdoer. Civil cases often involve issues such as contracts, property disputes, and family law, where the goal is to restore the victim's position or provide rectification through monetary compensation. While the other options touch on aspects of law, they do not capture this fundamental difference as clearly as the correct answer. For example, criminal law indeed pertains to societal issues and punishing offenders, and civil law does involve compensating victims, but this choice succinctly encapsulates the governmental role in enforcing laws and punishing through criminal law versus addressing private wrongs in civil law. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the essence of how the two branches of law differ in their purpose and function