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.
Matlock is an unincorporated community in Mason County, Washington, United States. Matlock is the primary population center for the western part of Mason County, a sporadically populated logging area. The most notable sites are the church, food bank, general store, post office, local grange hall, and the Mary M. Knight school, grades kindergarten through senior high school; the school mascot is the Knight Owl, a rarely commented on pun. Matlock features nearby lakes and recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The nearest lake is the sparkling Lake Nahwatzel. Every year in first full weekend in May, Matlock hosts the Old Timer's Festival at Mary M. Knight School campus. Here you can find food, crafts, tractors, and fun for the whole family. Matlock is located northwest of Olympia, Washington, about a 20 minute drive from the county seat, Shelton. Related link: Matlock page of official Mason County Tourism website