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.
Centerport is a hamlet in Suffolk County, New York on the notably affluent North Shore of Long Island. Formerly known as Little Cow Harbor about 1700, Centreport in 1836, and then the present Centerport after 1895. The name refers to its geographic position midway between the east and west boundaries of the township of Huntington. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 5,446. It is located in the Town of Huntington. Huntington and its surrounding hamlets mark the east end of Long Island's renowned "Gold Coast", the name deriving from the traditional wealth and gentility associated with the area. The association dates back to the early twentieth century in which many affluent families built their homes along the coast. In Centerport, an example of this is the mansion of William Kissam Vanderbilt II, otherwise known as the Vanderbilt Estate. Whereas Centerport is highly residential, characterized by windy driveways and beachfront hills, the town of Huntington is famous for its bustling "village", an area in the center of town filled with quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, and spas. Over the years, it has become something of an attraction, garnering visitors from all over Long Island. Centerport is in the Harborfields Central School District. The schools include Harborfields High School, Oldfield Middle School, T.J. Lahey Elementary School, and the Washington Drive Primary School. In the past, the district has received Blue Ribbon awards of excellence. As is common among the many beachfront locations on Long Island's North Shore, Centerport has developed a large boating and sailing culture. An important part of this culture is the Centerport Yacht Club, which was founded in 1947 and has served as a social and athletic focal point for the boating community in both Centerport and its surrounding areas. The yacht club sponsors a variety of racing fleets and regattas every year generally beginning in the late spring and ending mid-autumn.