Civil law, as opposed to criminal law, is the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals and/or organizations, in which compensation may be awarded to the victim. For instance, if a car crash victim claims damages against the driver for loss or injury sustained in an accident, this will be a civil law case. Civil law courts provide a forum for deciding disputes involving torts (such as accidents, negligence, and libel), contract disputes, the probate of wills, trusts, property disputes, administrative law, commercial law, and any other private matters that involve private parties or organizations including government departments. The objectives of civil law are different from other types of law. In civil law there is the attempt to right a wrong, honor an agreement, or settle a dispute. If there is a victim, they get compensation, and the person who is the cause of the wrong pays, this being a civilized form of, or legal alternative to, revenge.
Alexander City is a city in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 15,008. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 14,957. Locals refer to Alexander City as "Alex City" . Alexander City is known for Lake Martin with its 750 miles (1,210 km) of wooded shoreline and 44,000 acres (178 km²) of crystal clear water. Lake Martin is located on the Tallapoosa River and offers boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, and camping. Many neighborhoods and luxury homes are located on the lake. Russell Corporation, maker of Russell Athletic, Cross Creek, Jerzees, and Country Cottons apparel, was founded in 1902 and is a large employer in the city. The company is headquartered in the city, but has shared this status with Atlanta since 1998, when the need for an office in a larger city was understood. Recently, the number of workers employed by Russell Corporation in Alex City has been on a steady decline due to Russell moving more and more production overseas. On April 17, 2006, Russell Corporation was bought by Berkshire Hathaway for an estimated $600 million. Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's company, also owns such companies as Fruit of the Loom and GEICO. The company will continue to operate as Russell Corporation, but its workers and CEO will report to Fruit of the Loom.