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.
Clayton is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. A very small portion of the town extends into Wake County. The population was 6,973 at the 2000 census. In 2007, the estimated population was 13,842. Much of that growth can be attributed to the town's close proximity to the Research Triangle area and access to major highways such as I-40, U.S. 70, and NC 42. In 2006, construction began on the Highway 70 Clayton Bypass, a 10.5 mile stretch from Interstate 40 along the southern portion of Clayton to highway 70 business in Smithfield. It was completed in June 2008. The Town Hall is located at 111 East Second Street in Downtown Clayton. The Town Hall complex is shared with The Clayton Center Auditorium and Conference Center.