What is the focus of criminal law?

The focus of criminal law is primarily on protecting the public. Criminal law is designed to prohibit behaviors that are deemed harmful or dangerous to society as a whole, thus maintaining public order and safety. It establishes the framework for identifying crimes, prosecuting offenders, and determining appropriate penalties. This legal area addresses offenses such as theft, assault, murder, and other actions that threaten individuals or community welfare.

Unlike civil law, where the main aim is to resolve disputes between individuals and provide compensation for harm, criminal law focuses on punishing offenders to deter future crimes and rehabilitate those who commit them. The public's interest is central to criminal law, as it seeks not only to address individual wrongs but also to uphold societal norms and protect communal interests.