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.
Steptoe is a small unincorporated rural community in Whitman County, Washington, United States. Steptoe is 11 miles north of the county seat, Colfax and is 43 miles south of Spokane. It is named after Colonel Edward Steptoe for a battle located north of Steptoe near Rosalia, Washington. Steptoe has an elementary school consisting of students 1st through 8th grade, a post office (zip code 99174), a gas station catering to the local community. Local tourist attractions include Steptoe Butte. Steptoe's main roads include U.S. Route 195 and State Route 23.