Criminal law defines the acts that can make a person to be arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned. As the foundation of the criminal justice system, criminal law includes concepts such as criminal intent, criminal acts, concurrence between intent and acts, responsibility, causality, and defenses. The purpose of the law is to prohibit conduct by individuals that threaten the public interest in several ways.

Maintaining Order

The purpose of criminal law is to provide order in a society. It provides predictability by allowing people to know what to expect from others and how to conduct themselves when interacting with others. Without criminal law, society would be chaotic and marred with uncertainty.

Protecting Individuals and Property

The basis of establishing criminal law is to offer protection to individuals and property. Specifically, the law protects the citizens of a country from criminal individuals who are likely to inflict physical or mental harm to others or those who would take their worldly goods. In capitalist nations like the United States, many of its criminal laws are designed to punish those who misbehave or steal while preventing such behaviors from existing among the people.

Resolving Conflicts and Disputes

Criminal law helps in resolving conflicts and disputes among individuals or parties. Any quarrels amongst the citizen can be settled amicably by following the rule of law. This way, criminal law provides a peaceful and orderly way of handling grievances in society.

Safeguarding Civil Liberties

The rights and liberties of the citizens of a country are protected under criminal law. Specifically, the law prohibits any conduct that can threaten public interests or the rights of people in a country. It defines and warns people against any form of conduct or acts that are subject to criminal punishment, with a distinction between serious and minor offenses. By imposing punishments for some acts, criminal law protects society while satisfying the demands for rehabilitation, retribution, and deterrence.

Providing Smooth Functioning of Society

Without criminal law, it would be difficult for members of society to interact freely and conveniently. Criminal law sets out the procedures for society to function and progress. This includes the process of tax collection by the government, controlling pollution, and achievement of other socially beneficial tasks.

Bottom Line

Criminal law plays a critical role in society by defining legally acceptable conduct. By letting people know what they are required, the law protects civil liberties, maintains order, helps in resolving disputes, and provides for the smooth functioning of society.