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.
Cook Station is an unincorporated community in southern Crawford County, Missouri, United States. It is located about ten miles south of Steelville. Cook Station was formerly a stop on the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad Line. The Dunlap Hotel is still located there, as well as a general store and a bank. There were regularly dances in town in the 30s and 40s, and the area became a popular destination as a swimming area in the 50’s and 60’s after the train stopped coming through. The original general store was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1905. Most of the population of Cook Station lives on the surrounding farms that make up what is considered Cook Station. There are quite a few cattle, goat, and dairy farms in this general area. Cook Station is located very near the beginning of the Meramec River, and often sees spring flooding throughout the valley it is located in.