Describe one of the differences between the criminal law and civil law systems

One of the main differences between the two systems would be regarding the parties to the case. In a civil law claim, there would be a claimant and a defendant (both generally individuals or companies) where the claimant would be sueing the defendant for an action against him/her.

In a criminal law case, it would be the State prosecuting an individual (the defendant) for a action against the State.