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.
Detroit Lakes is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Becker County. The city's population was estimated at 8,131 in 2008 by the United States Census Bureau. Its unofficial population during summer months is much higher due to seasonal residents and tourists. From 1990 to 2000, the city experienced approximately 11% population growth. U.S. Routes 10 and 59, and Minnesota State Highway 34 serve as the primary arterial routes through the city. Detroit Lakes is located 45 miles east of the Fargo-Moorhead ND-MN statistical metropolitan area. The nearest major metropolitan area with a population over 300,000 is Minneapolis-St. Paul, which is approximately 205 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes. Detroit Lakes is a regional summer and winter recreation destination, attracting large amounts of tourists and seasonal residents each year. Its economy is fueled by seasonal population increases, with tourism being the area's chief industry along with agriculture.