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.
Danbury is a town located in Danbury Township, Stokes County, North Carolina. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 108. It is the county seat of Stokes County. Danbury is located on NC 8/89 approximately 20 miles north of Winston-Salem and is the "Gateway to Hanging Rock". The Stokes County Government Center, Arts Council, school board, county jail, a public library, and other public services are found within the town limits. Stokes-Reynolds Memorial Hospital is located about a half mile northwest of the town. Danbury is a popular rest stop for bicyclists, motorcyclists, and driving enthusiasts due to the numerous scenic roads in Stokes County. Danbury also attracts outdoor enthusiasts because of its location on the Dan River and near the entrance to Hanging Rock State Park. There are no regional or national franchises in Danbury, only local shops like the Danbury General Store, and small restaurants. A 2007 edition of the Stokes News reported that Danbury will be expanding, with a small shopping center planned in the coming years. The NewBridge Bank has a branch in town. J.E. Priddy's General Store, a local historic landmark dating from the late 19th century, is still in business selling goods old and new. It is located about 2 miles east of town on Sheppard Mill Rd.