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.
Newport is a city in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States. It was incorporated in 1882, though the name dates back to the establishment of a post office in 1868. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,532, an increase of nearly 13% over its 1990 population; an unofficial 2006 estimate listed Newport's population at 10,240 residents. Newport is the county seat of Lincoln County. It is also the home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Nye Beach, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and Rogue Ales. In mid-2011, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will move its base for research ships from Lake Union (in Seattle) to Newport. The base has about 110 marine officers and a total of 175 employees. It will base four ships and provide support for up to two itinerant vessels. NOAA already has some personnel at the Hatfield Marine Science Center which support the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. The ships will join the RV Wecoma which is based at the center.