What distinguishes a civil case from a criminal case?

Civil cases are distinguished from criminal cases primarily by who initiates the legal actions. In civil cases, the party pursuing the case is typically an individual or an organization seeking compensation or remedy for wrongs done to them, such as breach of contract, negligence, or other personal grievances. This contrasts with criminal cases, which are initiated by the state or government as prosecutions against individuals charged with violating laws that protect public order and safety.

The other options do not properly differentiate civil cases from criminal cases. While state prosecutions pertain exclusively to criminal law, civil law is characterized by private disputes. Moreover, civil cases do not focus solely on public laws; they often address private rights. Lastly, imprisonment is a consequence that applies to criminal cases, where the state seeks to punish unlawful behavior, whereas civil cases typically result in remedies such as monetary compensation or injunctive relief, not incarceration.