ABA Family Legal Guide

How the Legal System Works

Introduction to the Legal System

Claire suffered an injury after she slipped and fell on a greasy floor at a local restaurant. After making some preliminary investigations, her lawyer advised her to file a civil suit against the restaurant owners. What does this mean? Which court will handle the case? What happens in a trial? Will there be a jury? How can Claire be sure it will be fair?

This section is an introduction to the legal system and the difference between civil and criminal suits.

1. What is the idea behind our legal system?
2. How does a criminal prosecution differ from a civil suit?
3. Are there different standards for determining liability in a civil suit and guilt in a criminal case?