Which of the following distinguishes civil from criminal judges?

• A. Civil decide on liability, criminal decide on guilty.
• B. Civil uses jury trials, criminal does not.
• C. Civil handle sanctions; criminal handle remedies.
• D. Civil cases start with an indictment.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that civil cases focus on fault and remedies, while criminal cases focus on guilt and sanctions. In civil matters, the court determines whether the defendant is liable for harm and, if so, what remedy is owed—typically compensation or an order to do or not do something. In criminal cases, the issue is whether the defendant has committed a crime, and a finding of guilt leads to punishment implemented by the state, such as imprisonment or fines. While procedures can vary and juries may be involved in different ways in different jurisdictions, the essential distinction is that civil adjudication centers on liability and remedies, whereas criminal adjudication centers on guilt and sanctions.