Which of the following describes a principle difference between common law and civil law systems quizlet?

Generally, burden of proof describes the standard that a party seeking to prove a fact in court must satisfy to have that fact legally established. There are different standards for different circumstances. 

For example, in criminal cases, the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt is on the prosecution, and they must establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proving their case by a preponderance of the evidence, which means the plaintiff merely needs to show that the fact in dispute is more likely than not. A "preponderance of the evidence" and "beyond a reasonable doubt" are different standards, requiring different amounts of proof.

The burden of proof is often said to consist of two distinct but related concepts: the burden of production, and the burden of persuasion.

Depending on the jurisdiction and type of action, the legal standard to satisfy the burden of proof in U.S. litigation may include, but is not limited to:

  • beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal law.
  • clear and convincing evidence in fraud in will disputes.
  • preponderance of the evidence in most civil cases. 
  • probable cause in the acquisition of a warrant or arrest proceeding.
  • reasonable belief as part of establishing probable cause. 
  • reasonable suspicion in cases involving police stop and searches. 
  • some credible evidence in cases necessitating immediate intervention, like child protective services disputes. 
  • some evidence in cases involving inmate discipline. 
  • substantial evidence in many appellate cases. 

[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Which of the following describes a principle difference between common law and civil law systems quizlet?

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In the United States, there are two bodies of law whose purpose is to deter or punish serious wrongdoing or to compensate the victims of such wrongdoing. Criminal law deals with behavior that is or can be construed as an offense against the public, society, or the state—even if the immediate victim is an individual. Examples are murder, assault, theft,and drunken driving. Civil law deals with behavior that constitutes an injury to an individual or other private party, such as a corporation. Examples are defamation (including libel and slander), breach of contract, negligence resulting in injury or death, and property damage.

Criminal law and civil law differ with respect to how cases are initiated (who may bring charges or file suit), how cases are decided (by a judge or a jury), what kinds of punishment or penalty may be imposed, what standards of proof must be met, and what legal protections may be available to the defendant.

In criminal cases, for example, only the federal or a state government (the prosecution) may initiate a case; cases are almost always decided by a jury; punishment for serious (felony) charges often consists of imprisonment but may also include a fine paid to the government; to secure conviction, the prosecution must establish the guilt of the defendant "beyond a reasonable doubt"; and defendants are protected against conduct by police or prosecutors that violates their constitutional rights, including the right against unreasonable searches and seizures (Fourth Amendment) and the right against compelled self-incrimination (Fifth Amendment).

In civil cases, by contrast, cases are initiated (suits are filed) by a private party (the plaintiff); cases are usually decided by a judge (though significant cases may involve juries); punishment almost always consists of a monetary award and never consists of imprisonment; to prevail, the plaintiff must establish the defendant's liability only according to the "preponderance of evidence"; and defendants are not entitled to the same legal protections as are the criminally accused.

Importantly, because a single wrongful act may constitute both a public offense and a private injury, it may give rise to both criminal and civil charges. A widely cited example is that of the former American football player O.J. Simpson: in 1995 he was acquitted of having murdered his wife and her friend, but two years later he was found liable for their killings in a civil suit for wrongful death.

Which of the following describes a principal difference between common law and civil law systems?

The main difference between the two systems is that in common law countries, case law — in the form of published judicial opinions — is of primary importance, whereas in civil law systems, codified statutes predominate.

What is difference between common law and civil law?

Legal systems around the world vary greatly, but they usually follow civil law or common law. In common law, past legal precedents or judicial rulings are used to decide cases at hand. Under civil law, codified statutes and ordinances rule the land.

What is the difference between common law and civil law systems quizlet?

1. A civil law legal system is based on legal codes. A common law legal system is based on legislation and case law.

Which of the following is a difference between common law and code law quizlet?

Common law is based on an all-inclusive system of written rules of law, whereas code law is based on tradition, past practices, and legal precedents. In the context of performance of a contract, code law extends acts of God to include include unforeseeable human acts, whereas common law does not.