Civil law and criminal law are different. As far as the former is
concerned, disputes between individuals and organizations are dealt
with. But in criminal law is the law relating to crime. Criminal law
comes into picture, when welfare of public and society is endangered.
Breach of contract, injunction, tort and other personal injuries are
civil crimes. Tort simply means civil wrong. Offenses like riot,
kidnapping, manslaughter, sexual assault, threat to kill come under the
category of criminal offense.
An act done with the guilty intention makes a guilty
act. In the latin language, there is a maxim that brings a light on this
line. It is nothing but actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea. When
the crime is committed, evidence are collected. Then the suspect is
arrested on the basis of evidence collected. When arrested, the accused
has the right to remain silent as anything said by him might be used
against him in the court of law. A criminal lawyer is hired by the
accused. Now the criminal defense comes into the picture.