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.
The City of Woodland Park is a Home Rule Municipality that is the most populous city in Teller County, Colorado, United States. Many residents in this bedroom community, which is surrounded by the one-million acre Pike National Forest, make the 17-mile commute to Colorado Springs. Ute Pass lies 12 miles to the west of Woodland Park on US 24. The population was 6,515 at the 2000 census. Nearby Douglas County is about a fifteen-minute drive from the city. Called the "The City Above the Clouds," Woodland Park, at 8,465 feet above sea level, often enjoys clear skies while weather in neighboring towns may be rainy or overcast. The city has pursued a policy of careful growth, and enjoys breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. Woodland Park offers easy access to hiking, climbing, and fishing. Because of the city's location, there is a natural limitation to population growth.