@sue.oconnell.nbcboston: Here's one of the biggest sources of confusion when people follow court cases online: The difference between a criminal case and a civil case. In a criminal case, the government is prosecuting someone for an alleged crime. Murder. Robbery. Assault. Drug trafficking. Fraud. And the government has to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, someone is generally asking a court to hold another person or entity legally responsible for some harm. Personal injury. Breach of contract. Defamation. Wrongful death. And the standard to find someone guilty, or liable is much lower in civil cases. A preponderance of the evidence. Basically: is it more likely than not? That's how O.J. Simpson could be acquitted of murder in criminal court — And later be found civilly liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Two different cases. And two very different burdens of proof. #law #truecrime #court #explain

Sue O’Connell

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Friday 02 October 2026 21:18:57 GMT