I would like to know the origin and literal meaning of the word
"guilty" as it was chosen to be used in the criminal law.  Why do we
say someone is "guilty" in criminal law, but "liable" in civil law?  I
think it stems from the difference between a criminal who knowingly
breaks a "moral law" or "natural law" that exists in nature (i.e. we
all know it's wrong to murder) compared to breaking a law that is
man-made and not intuitive (i.e. speeding), but I would like to
confirm that information with a quotable source.  I would appreciate
it if you could let me know the origin of this word in this sense and
where you found that info from.

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 11 Feb 2004 14:56 PST

Since the previous answer that was posted has now been removed, along
with your clarifications, you may want to post another statement
clarifying your needs, emphasizing that, since you are an attorney,
you are not simply looking for the legal definitions of "guilty" and
"liable," nor for an etymological history of the two words.