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.
Whittier is a city in Los Angeles County, California about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 83,680. It is the home of Whittier College. Like nearby Montebello, the city is considered to form part of the Gateway Cities and the southeast area of the county. The city's population as a whole has grown since its founding days but has experienced rapid growth particularly starting in the 1990s. It has increased from 77,807 in 1990 to 83,680 in 2000 and is projected to grow to 90,041 in 2010. Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 28 (Engine, Quint, Paramedic Squad, Mobile Aid, and a Battalion Chief), Station 17 (Engine), Station 59 (Engine and EST) serve the community.