When you are doing legal research, it is helpful to know how the law is divided. One division that this section has already talked about is the difference between state law and federal law.

Another division is between civil law and criminal law. Usually, when a civil law is not followed, a person can be sued for a money judgment, or told to do or not do something by a court or administrative agency. Usually, when a criminal law is not followed, a person can be punished by being sent to jail. Most laws are civil laws.