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.
Port Hueneme is a small beach city in Ventura County, California surrounded by the city of Oxnard and the Pacific Ocean. The name derives from the Spanish spelling of the Chumash wene me, meaning "resting-place". Area was discovered by Cabrillo in 1542 and the original city of Hueneme is the second-oldest city in Ventura County. Name was officially changed to Port Hueneme in 1939. The population was 21,845 at the 2000 census. Port Hueneme has a south-facing sand beach, known for its surfing, year-round mediterranean climate and beach park. The beach stretches eastward about a mile from the harbor and the naval base and includes a wooden fishing pier. There are also picnic tables and small bring-your-own charcoal barbecues. The beach and picnic areas are popular weekend destinations during the summer season—Memorial Day (late May) through Labor Day (early September).