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.
Spring Arbor is an unincorporated community within Spring Arbor Township, Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau has defined a census-designated place (CDP) with the same name for statistical purposes. The CDP has no official status as a municipality and the boundaries defined by the Census Bureau may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the Spring Arbor area. The population of the CDP was 2,188 at the 2000 census. There is a post office in Spring Arbor with ZIP code 49283 that serves an area larger than the CDP, but smaller than the township. As of 2000, the ZIP Code Tabulation Area had a population of 3,110. Spring Arbor Township surrounds the community, but also includes portions of surrounding communities. As of 2000, the township had a population of 7,577. Spring Arbor is the home of Spring Arbor University, a liberal arts university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.