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.
Langley is a city in Island County, Washington, United States near the eastern end of the north shore of the south end of Whidbey Island. It is the third largest incorporated area on Whidbey. The population was 959 at the 2000 census, while the ZCTA for Langley's post office had a population of 4,878. The geographical area of the city is only 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) but the ZCTA includes 26.20 square miles (67.86 km²). Today, Langley is a tourist destination. Many businesses in the city promote themselves in tourist pamphlets available around the world. Langley is home to a 1930s era movie theatre, a grocery store of the same vintage, and several restaurants. Langley is served by Island County Fire District #3 the Langley Police Department, and is the home of the South Whidbey School District #206. The current mayor is Paul Samuelson (2008–2012), and the police chief is Bob Herzberg. Based on per capita income, Langley ranks 92nd of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.