What does criminal law primarily address?

Criminal law primarily addresses crimes and their punishments, focusing on actions that are considered offenses against the state or society as a whole. This area of law involves the prosecution of individuals or entities accused of committing crimes, which can range from minor offenses to serious felonies. The primary goal of criminal law is to maintain public order and protect individuals by establishing what constitutes a crime, outlining the legal procedures for prosecuting these offenses, and determining appropriate penalties or sentences for those found guilty.

In this context, while civil disputes involve private rights and obligations between individuals, and regulations of business practices focus on ensuring fair trade and competition, criminal law is distinctly concerned with acts that violate societal norms and the legal consequences stemming from such acts. Family and domestic matters, on the other hand, are governed by family law, which deals specifically with issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and related topics.