A Peek Into the Law
A brief snapshot of the legal system for you (yes you!), so you are aware of the world you live in and can utilize this information for your benefit!
Civil Court vs. Criminal Court
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Civil Court vs. Criminal Court ~
Aspect
Parties
Civil Court
Plaintiff vs. Defendant
Purpose
Punish wrongdoing, protect society
Resolve disputes, compensate harm
Burden of Proof
Preponderance of evidence
Beyond reasonable doubt
Outcome
Damages, injunctions, specific performance
Right to Counsel
Constitutional right (6th Amendment)
No constitutional right
Jury Size
Typically 6-12
Typically 12 (felony), 6 (misdemeanor)
Prison, fines, probation, parole
Verdict Requirement
Majority often sufficient
Criminal Court
People/State vs. Defendant
Unanimous (NY felony)
Further Reading
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Youth Right to Protest
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Educational Justice in Schools
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Fight Discrimination
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Build Skills in Lobbying and Lawmaking
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Facilitate Mutual Aid
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Climate and Environmental Justice
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Support Youth Voting Rights
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Abolition and Community Safety
Disclaimer
Do not use this site to replace a lawyer or share private information.
The tools and services we provide are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you or PDP. The information provided in the educational materials and community meetings is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be substituted for the advice of or in lieu of consultation with an attorney. PDP seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. PDP disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained in its public education materials and community-facilitated meetings and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. PDP makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items in its public education materials and community-facilitated meetings. Different states also have very different laws from the ones we might discuss in our public education materials and community-facilitated meetings.