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.
Anatone is an unincorporated community in Asotin County, Washington. Because it is not tracked by the U.S. Census, a Census population estimate is not available. However the citizens of Anatone perform a population census themselves and update the sign (pictured right) every summer. Anatone is assigned the ZIP code 99401. It is a working class agricultural area. Primary crop grown in the area is wheat. There is a cafe at the south side of town, otherwise no other services are available. As of 2000, an estimated 221 people lived in areas served by the Anatone Post Office, in 167 housing units. As of January 1st, 2010, there are 38 people in the town of Anatone, WA. Anatone is part of the Lewiston, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area.