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.
Tecopa (formerly, Brownsville) is a census-designated place in the Mojave Desert, in Inyo County, California, United States. Tecopa is located 9 miles (14 km) south-southeast of Shoshone, at an elevation of 1339 feet (408 m). The population was 99 at the 2000 census. One of Tecopa's popular features is its natural hot springs. Adjacent to the campground are gender-segregated, no-clothing-mandatory, indoor hot pools for soaking. Access is included in camping fees. Tecopa was named after the Piaute leader Chief Tecopa. There is also a natural hotspring located on BLM land just outside of town.