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.
The village of Wilcox is located in Elk County, Pennsylvania within the Saint Marys metropolitan area. The community was named after a settler, Col. A.I. Wilcox. The year 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the settling of this village. The quality of life here combines modern conveniences with traditional values. Wilcox is located in Jones Township which is home of the Allegheny Mountains, and the East Branch Lake. Over 250,000 visitors a year come to Wilcox to enjoy the natural foresting, fishing, hunting, and three state and national parks.