What type of penalty can one typically receive in a civil case?

In a civil case, the primary type of penalty typically imposed is monetary damages. This means that if a party is found liable for a wrongful act that has caused harm to another party, they may be required to pay a sum of money as compensation. The purpose of monetary penalties in civil cases is to make the injured party "whole" again, or to provide them with restitution for their losses.

The nature of civil cases focuses on disputes between individuals or entities, often revolving around contracts, property, and liability rather than criminal behavior. As a result, incarceration, community service, and probation—penalties typically associated with a criminal conviction—are not applicable in the context of civil law. Instead, the emphasis is on compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages, aimed at addressing the financial impact of the wrongdoing.