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.
Cortlandt Manor is an area located in the Town of Cortlandt in Northern Westchester County, New York. Cortlandt Manor is situated directly east, north and south of Peekskill, and east of three villages of the Town of Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Crugers, and Montrose. Most of the area is made up of middle-class residential homes. Until 1991, this area shared a mailing address and ZIP Code (10566) with the city of Peekskill. Although it now has its own ZIP code, 10567, many directories and censuses still do not include Cortlandt Manor, because it is unincorporated. Residents move here for the good schools, housing values, and scenic beauty. The town contains the Blue Mountain Reservation which has many acres of hiking trails. The term "Cortlandt Manor" was created by the United States Post Office to differentiate this part of the town of Corlandt from Cortland, New York. The name Cortlandt Manor is derived from the estate of Van Cortlandt (actually located in Croton-on-Hudson), the colonial aristocrat who originally owned much of the area. Cortlandt Manor is part of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District. Two of the schools in Hendrick Hudson Central School District are located in Cortlandt Manor: Furnace Woods Elementary School and Blue Mountain Middle School, which are separated by multiple soccer fields. Other parts of Cortlandt Manor are in the Lakeland Central School District. One of the Lakeland Central School District schools is located in Cortlandt Manor: Walter Panas High School.