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.
Newton Highlands is a village of Newton, Massachusetts. Newton Highlands is largely suburban outside of the village and the commercial district running along Winchester and Needham Streets. Newton Highlands' small commercial district runs along Lincoln St. , perpendicular to Walnut St. Vendors there include: Newton Pizza House, Games and Gizmos, Walnut Market, 57 Lincoln, Baker's Best, Green Planet Kids, Bread & Lily (in the location of the former Ice Cream Works and Citrio), Kim's Nail Salon, Lincoln Street Coffee, Ohara's Food and Spirits, and others as well. The first Brighams was located in Newton Highlands. It was home to the Hyde School which was an elementary school, which burned down in a raging fire and is now condominiums. Two the south, a dense commercial district along Needham Street includes stalwarts such as China Fair,and the New England Mobile Book Fair among many others. Since 1959 the neighborhood has had its own MBTA Green Line station, Newton Highlands Station, close to this commercial center. There also is an annual celebration in June called Village Day, a general celebration for the Newton Highlands community. There is a 5 kilometer road race, crafts and local food is sold, a small carnival is set up, and local bands and musicians often entertain the crowds.