The P&K law firm has many clients who (like Mrs. Harris) are confronting a legal issue for the first time. They know little about the legal system that will handle their cases. Your supervisor wants you to help create a brochure for these clients. An outside firm will handle the layout and artwork; you need to write the narrative.

1. Describe the American legal system and its two primary components, civil and criminal law. (The brochure will not address administrative law or other legal authorities. It also will not cover the juvenile justice system.)
2. Compare and contrast the civil and criminal legal systems. Address the purpose of each system, the roles of participants, the burdens of proof, the types of relief available, etc. Since the brochure is meant for clients, the text must describe the potential role of a client as an injured/defending party in a civil case or the victim/witness in a criminal case.