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.
Brandywine is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, although the postal delivery area includes part of Charles County as well near Malcolm. The population of Brandywine (CDP) was 1,410 at the 2000 census, which is a small percentage of the area covered by the Brandywine post office. The Brandywine zip code covers a very large area both east and west of busy Maryland Route 5/U.S. Route 301, which merge at Brandywine. Cedarville State Forest and the picturesque Baden community to the east, including a trailer park community, are part of greater Brandywine. Although surrounded on either side by the sizable communities of Clinton and Waldorf, Brandywine itself has remained primarily rural and scenic; however, this is beginning to change, with new housing developments being built. Brandywine Crossing shopping center, whose first phase opened in October 2008, will have Target, Safeway, Costco, Marshalls, Jo-Ann Stores, Bonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and a 16-screen Kerasotes Movie Theater. The community also includes Gwynn Park High School, a golf course, and a construction equipment sales lot.