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.
Earlysville is an unincorporated community in Albemarle County, Virginia, United States, roughly 9 miles (14 km) north of Charlottesville. It is named for John Early, who in 1822 bought just under 1,000 acres (4 km) of land that now comprise a portion of the town. Earlysville has a small central business district (pictured at right), with a grocery store, restaurant, dentist, daycare, and several retail stores. There is a nearby light industrial park and several small suburban developments. The bulk of the area is rural in character. The community was the original location of Michie Tavern, before its 1927 relocation adjacent to Monticello.