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.
Eureka is the county seat and principal city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Located adjacent to Humboldt Bay 270 miles north of San Francisco, the port city of 26,097 (2007) residents is situated near extensive preserves of the world's tallest trees - the Coast Redwoods. The city, a major player in the historic west coast lumber trade, is the site of hundreds of Victorian homes, including the Carson Mansion. This architecturally and historically significant coastal city serves as the regional center for government, health care, trade, and the arts for the far North Coast of California.