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.
Geneseo is a city in Henry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,480 at the 2000 census. The city government is organized under an Aldermanic form. The Mayor is elected at large for a two year term. The Mayor (Linda Van Der Leest) serves as Chief Executive Officer and also Presiding Officer over the City Council of Geneseo. The City Council consists of eight aldermen representing four individual wards. (Ward 1, Edward Deener and Lowell Ewert - Ward 2, Arnie Schmid and Robert Wachtel - Ward 3, Keith Kennett and Karen West - Ward 4, Joshua Pierce and Curt Spensley) Geneseo is known for its Victorian style homes and its "Rockwellian quaintness. " It is often compared to the Andy Griffith Show and its town, Mayberry R.F.D. Geneseo is also well known nation wide. During the month of December, Geneseo hosts an annual "Christmas Walk. " Until 2008 the annual "Christmas Walk" was known as the "Victorian Walk. "Downtown businesses offer in store hospitality and feature live window displays depicting holiday traditions from different decades, 2008 will feature the 1940's. This town is also home to the famous gun manufacturing company, Springfield Armory, Inc. which is located on Main Street. It employs many of the town's citizens and is a vital part of the economy. Springfield Armory, Inc. is currently operated by the Reese family. For recreation, just north of Geneseo,IL runs the historic 104.5 mile Hennepin Canal Parkway spreading through five counties.