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.
Hot Springs is a city in Fall River County, South Dakota, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 4,129. It is the county seat of Fall River County. In addition, neighboring Shannon County contracts the duties of Auditor, Treasurer and Register of Deeds to the Fall River County authority in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is one of the warmest places in South Dakota with an annual mean temperature of 48.6 °F (9.2 °C). Some of the attractions in the Hot Springs area are the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and Evans Plunge with its naturally warm 87 °F (31 °C) spring water. The town is a gateway to the attractions of the southern Black Hills, particularly Wind Cave National Park. Hot Springs holds the annual Miss South Dakota pageant. In recognition of its historic value, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Hot Springs as one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city center contains over 35 sandstone buildings. Hot Springs is also the home of a United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospital (Black Hills Healthcare System - Hot Springs Campus). The 100-bed center offers extensive outpatient treatment, acute hospital care, PTSD treatment, and an alcohol and drug treatment facility.