Kevin was charged with assault after a bar brawl. He was arrested and taken to the police station, where he answered police questions and informed them that someone else started the fight by throwing a punch at him. He told his lawyer the same story.

At trial, Kevin agreed to give evidence, saying he had nothing to hide. The first question the prosecutor asked him was whether he had any other convictions. To his lawyer's surprise, Kevin said he had two other convictions for assault.

This section provides an introduction to issues related to the criminal justice system.

1. How do civil and criminal law differ?
2. Are there different standards for determining liability in a civil suit and guilt in a criminal case?
3. How does the criminal justice system work?
4. What distinguishes a misdemeanor from a felony?
5. How do juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal proceedings?