Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by eru 2052 days ago
However, do compare wrongful death claims in the US which are handled in a civil suit.

O.J. Simpson famously got off with 'not guilty' in the murder case, but lost the civil suit.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrongful_death_claim and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson_murder_case#Civi...
1 comments
kbenson 2052 days ago
Yes, civil suits are brought be individuals, so are less about societal pressure and more about recompense, while criminal cases are brought by the state. I believe there's also a lower bar, and civil court works by "a preponderance of the evidence" as opposed to "beyond a reasonable doubt". The courts serve different purposes.
link
dragonwriter 2052 days ago
> Yes, civil suits are brought be individuals, so are less about societal pressure and more about recompense, while criminal cases are brought by the state.

This is somewhat inaccurate; while it is true that criminal cases can only be brought by the State, civil cases can be brought by the State or private parties.

link
kbenson 2052 days ago
Oh, good to know, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks! :)
link
eru 2052 days ago
Though as far as I can tell, the state only gets treated like any other private party in a civil suit.
link