The primary distinction between civil law and criminal law lies in their purpose and procedure. Civil law deals with legal disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving issues like contracts, property, and torts. The primary objective is to provide compensation or restitution to the aggrieved party. In contrast, criminal law addresses actions deemed harmful to society, with the government prosecuting offenders to maintain social order. Criminal cases carry penalties such as fines or imprisonment. Furthermore, the burden of proof differs; in civil law, it is usually "preponderance of evidence," while in criminal law, it is "beyond a reasonable doubt."