The family of 14-year-old shooting victim Aminulrasyid Amzah had successfully sued for damages in civil court over his death, although the criminal murder trial against his shooter Corporal Jenain Subi had failed to secure a conviction, ending with the cop walking away a free man.

According to lawyers, the differences in the outcome of the two cases boil down to the different standards of proof in civil and criminal trials.

“It’s just easier for the court to find liability in civil cases because the burden of proof is lower. That’s the bottom-line,” said lawyer Michelle Yesudas.