Burglar Bob breaks into Vince Victim’s house. Bob steals a flat-screen TV and laptop and does a significant amount of damage to the property before he leaves. Fortunately, Vince has a state-of-the-art security system. It captures excellent images of Bob, who is soon caught by police.
Assume that two legal actions follow, one civil and one criminal. Who will be responsible for bringing the civil case? What will be the outcome if the jury believes that Bob did in fact burgle Vince’s house? Who will be responsible for bringing the criminal case? What will the outcome be this time if the jury believes that Bob did in fact burgle Vince’s house?