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.
Swisshome is an unincorporated community in Lane County, Oregon, United States. It is located on the Siuslaw River northeast of Mapleton, on Oregon Route 36. According to Oregon Geographic Names, the community was named for a Swiss family in the area, the Zweidlers. Swisshome post office was established in 1902. The Coos Bay branch of the Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad passes through Swisshome. The Deadwood Creek Bridge and the Wildcat Creek Bridge near Swisshome are two covered bridges that are on the National Register of Historic Places.