What distinguishes civil court reporting from criminal court reporting?

The distinction between civil court reporting and criminal court reporting primarily lies in the nature of the cases each type of court handles. Civil court deals with disputes between private parties, which may include individuals, organizations, or businesses. These disputes often involve issues such as contracts, property, personal injury, or family matters. The objective in civil cases is typically to resolve a conflict or determine liability rather than to punish an offender.

In contrast, criminal court focuses on cases where the state or government prosecutes an individual for violating laws. These cases usually involve charges such as theft, assault, or other crimes, and the outcomes may include penalties such as imprisonment or fines.

Understanding the nature of these two court types is essential for court reporters as it influences the terminology, procedures, and overall context of the cases they report.