Criminal liability occurs when an individual is accused of committing a crime and, if found guilty, can face penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or probation. The government prosecutes these cases primarily to punish and deter unlawful behavior.
Civil liability, however, involves disputes between private parties, where one party seeks compensation or restitution from another for harm or loss. Civil cases do not result in criminal penalties; instead, they often lead to monetary compensation or other remedies to address the wrong done to the injured party.