Do crimes open criminal and common law cases?

[gillian59]

If someone commits a crime (let's say assault) and the victim reports it, is there automatically a criminal case as well as a common law case? How does it work?

Let's say I report a sexual assault to the police. Naturally, there would be a criminal case, since this is an actual crime committed. But is there also a civil case? Is this something I decide on my own if I want to go through with it? I'm really confused about how it would actually work if I were to go talk to a lawyer and/or police (and about that - who should I go to? Lawyer or police station??)

[olivecooper]

I think you are confusing common law with civil law. Assault was a crime under common law, but almost all 'common law' countries now have entirely statutory criminal laws.

The police have no involvement at all in your civil case for damages..