SCL1501
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE 12 MARCH 2026
QUESTION 1
(a) Briefly discuss the differences between Civil law and Criminal Law. (10)
ANSWER:
Civil law is the body of law that governs disputes between private individuals,
organisations, or entities. Its primary aim is to protect private rights and to provide
remedies when one person suffers harm or loss due to another’s actions or omissions
(Centlivres, 1998). Civil law cases include disputes over contracts, property, inheritance,
family matters, and damages caused by negligence or other wrongful acts. Remedies in
civil law are usually monetary compensation (damages), orders for specific
performance, or injunctions to prevent further harm. Civil law generally requires the
plaintiff to prove their case on a balance of probabilities, meaning it is more likely than
not that their claim is true (Davies, 2017).
Criminal law, in contrast, governs behaviour considered harmful to society as a whole. It
focuses on offences such as theft, assault, murder, and fraud. In criminal law, the state
prosecutes the accused to maintain public order and enforce societal rules (Burchell &
Milton, 2016). The aim is to punish the wrongdoer through penalties such as
imprisonment, fines, or community service, and to deter both the offender and others
from committing similar crimes. Criminal law cases require proof beyond a reasonable
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE 12 MARCH 2026
QUESTION 1
(a) Briefly discuss the differences between Civil law and Criminal Law. (10)
ANSWER:
Civil law is the body of law that governs disputes between private individuals,
organisations, or entities. Its primary aim is to protect private rights and to provide
remedies when one person suffers harm or loss due to another’s actions or omissions
(Centlivres, 1998). Civil law cases include disputes over contracts, property, inheritance,
family matters, and damages caused by negligence or other wrongful acts. Remedies in
civil law are usually monetary compensation (damages), orders for specific
performance, or injunctions to prevent further harm. Civil law generally requires the
plaintiff to prove their case on a balance of probabilities, meaning it is more likely than
not that their claim is true (Davies, 2017).
Criminal law, in contrast, governs behaviour considered harmful to society as a whole. It
focuses on offences such as theft, assault, murder, and fraud. In criminal law, the state
prosecutes the accused to maintain public order and enforce societal rules (Burchell &
Milton, 2016). The aim is to punish the wrongdoer through penalties such as
imprisonment, fines, or community service, and to deter both the offender and others
from committing similar crimes. Criminal law cases require proof beyond a reasonable
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
