What is the purpose of Criminal Law?

The purpose of Criminal Law is fundamentally to enforce punishment for societal wrongs. This area of law is established to protect the interests of society as a whole by defining what constitutes criminal behavior and prescribing appropriate penalties. It aims to deter individuals from engaging in conduct that could harm others or disrupt public order.

Criminal Law serves a collective purpose: it seeks to uphold social norms and ensure that justice is served when a crime is committed. By imposing penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or community service, it not only punishes the offender but also serves as a deterrent to others, reinforcing societal standards and expectations.

In contrast, settling personal disputes pertains more to civil law, which focuses on resolving private matters between individuals. Mediation of business agreements is also not the function of Criminal Law, as that falls under contract law and other civil legal frameworks. The creation of public policy, while important, is a broader function that involves various legal and governmental processes, rather than being the core purpose of Criminal Law specifically.