Differences Between Civil and Criminal Law (OJ Simpson Case)

During the OJ case, we learned the basic differences between a civil and criminal cases. OJ had a criminal trial and wasn't found guilty. They decided to have a civil trial to compensate Ron Goldman's family. What are the differences between the civil and criminal justice system? The first website below stated that "the death of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman—the criminal and the civil cases against Simpson called for justice in two very different ways" which meant, even though OJ wasn't convicted in the criminal trial, they got their justice when he was convicted for wrongful death in civil trial and compensated the Goldman family with a lot of money. 



Comparison of OJ (criminal case) & OJ (civil Case):

OJ (Criminal Case):

1. Prove beyond reasonable doubt
• There couldn't be any doubt when convicting him of the crime
2. Government brings case on behalf of the victim & accuses  defendant of committing a crime
• Punishment is typically jail time or a fine
3. Goal In Criminal Trial
• Proving Simpson was guilty of first degree murder

OJ (Civil Case):

1. "Standard of proof is lower" 
• Convicted him to pay Ron Goldman's family 
• "Only have to convince a jury that it was more likely than not that the defendant was responsible (a “preponderance of the evidence)"
• "Couldn’t ask for imprisonment, but they won $25 million in punitive damages"
2.  If someone caused a problem for you but not quite a criminal offense
• Ask  court to make the defendant pay money or to fix the problem
• As of right now he owes as much as $58 million (OJ Simpson) 
3. Goal of Civil Trial 
• "Families of the alleged victims accused Simpson of causing the “wrongful death” of their loved ones"

Sources:
https://law.lclark.edu/live/news/5497-what-are-the-differences-between-the-civil-and 
https://www.chamberslawfirmca.com/o-j-simpson-the-new-knife-and-criminal-vs-civil-trials/
https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/types-cases/civil-cases