Criminal law, on the other hand, is a public matter. Here the injury Is thought to be to the community as a whole. For instance, If a thief breaks into a man’s store and steals money or jewelry, his action not only hurts the man but breaks one of the vital rules set up for the peace and safety of everyone. Therefore it is a case for the criminal courts. Men are sent to jail fairly often in criminal cases, but only rarely in civil cases.