The settlers of Roanoke vanished around 1590, never to be seen again

The settlers' disappearance has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. The settlers, who included women and children, arrived on Roanoke Island in 1587 to help establish America's first English settlement.

Criminal law deals with behavior that is or can be construed as an offense against the public, society, or the state—even if the immediate victim is an individual. Examples are murder, assault, theft,and drunken driving. Civil law deals with behavior that constitutes an injury to an individual or other private party, such as a corporation. Examples are defamation (including libel and slander), breach of contract, negligence resulting in injury or death, and property damage.