Criminal law is the body of law that defines criminal offenses and regulates the apprehension, charging, trial, and punishment of individuals suspected or convicted of crimes. It is designed to protect public safety by prohibiting conduct considered threatening, harmful, or dangerous to people’s property, health, safety, and welfare

. Key aspects of criminal law include:

• Definition of Crimes: Criminal law specifies what acts or omissions constitute crimes, which are offenses against the public or society at large, even if the immediate victim is an individual

• Legal Process: It governs how suspects are investigated, charged, and tried in criminal courts, ensuring legal rights are protected and fair hearings are conducted

• Punishments: Penalties for criminal offenses may include fines, imprisonment, probation, community orders, or in some jurisdictions, corporal or capital punishment. The goals of punishment include retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and restoration

• Distinction from Civil Law: Unlike civil law, which deals primarily with disputes between private parties and compensation for injuries, criminal law focuses on offenses against society and the imposition of sanctions on offenders

• Classification of Crimes: Crimes are often classified by severity into felonies (most serious), misdemeanors, and infractions, with varying degrees based on factors like intent and harm caused

Criminal law is established mainly by statutes enacted by legislatures at federal and state levels, and it evolves to reflect societal values and address new forms of criminal behavior

. In summary, criminal law serves to maintain public order and safety by defining prohibited conduct, outlining procedures for prosecution, and prescribing punishments for those who violate these laws