Let's be civil abou tthis.

[micky]

Have you noticed that the accused Boston bomber is repeatedly
described as facing civil charges and being tried in civil
court, not civilian?

[Mike Jacobs]

I hadn't noticed that, but if so, you are right to
point out that this usage is incorrect.

He is not facing "civil" charges, which would mean
he was being sued for money damages or for an
equitable injunction; clearly, instead, he is
facing "criminal" charges. Those two kinds of
tribunals -- civil and criminal -- are the most
common divisions of most civilian courts. (Many
states' courts also have a separate probate
division, a separate family law division, a
separate juvenile division, etc.)

Nor is he facing "military" charges. I assume that
is the contrast that these commentators are trying
to make when they say "civil" instead of saying he
is being brought up on charges in the "civilian"
court system.

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