In criminal cases, the counsel for the defence represents the accused, the defendant. If the accused pleads guilty, the counsel for the defence presents arguments to try to lessen the punishment. If the accused pleads not guilty, defence counsel must convince the judge or jury that their client is innocent. In a civil case, the counsel for the defence attempts to convince a judge (and occasionally a jury) that no wrong has been committed. If successful, the accused does not have to pay damages.