Civil Law

Randal Shanks, from Shanks Law Firm, spoke at the Optimist Club meeting on April 24.  He is President of the Iowa Academy of Lawyers.

Mr. Shanks talked about liability and damages in civil law cases.  How would you determine an appropriate amount?  He talked about a nursing home example.  The basic rules guiding a nursing home are:  Don’t endanger the patient.  Provide medication according to the schedule and as needed.  Check the patient.  Provide prompt medical attention when needed.

It is important for jury members to remember the difference between civil cases and criminal cases.  In criminal cases, the jury needs to find the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  In a civil case, you only need a preponderance of evidence to find the party liable.