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.
Chester is a city located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley in Randolph County, Illinois. The population was 8,400 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Randolph County and is located 63 miles (101 km) south of St. Louis, Missouri. With Chester being the county seat, the elected county officials are Terry Luehr-Board Member, Terry Moore-Chairman, Ken Slavens-Board Member, Randall Rodewald-State's Attorney, Randy Dudenbostel-Coroner, Fred Frederking-Sheriff, Shirlie Robinson-Treasurer, Wayne Voss-County Supervisor Of Assessments, Pat Laramore-County Clerk, and Barbara Brown-Circuit Clerk </ref>