Criminal law

Criminal law is a large body of common law that is intended to deal with crime and all legal punishment of criminal offences. Criminal law was formed to exercise that view that imposing sanctions for crime could lead to a just and peaceful society. Criminal law deals with both the punishments for violating the law, and the definition and punishment for crimes committed.

The purpose of criminal law is to discourage antisocial behaviour that could damage society, or undermine the authority or legitimacy of Government. Criminal law and the punishment of offenders is designed to deter people from committing crimes, and to help restrain behaviour. Some crimes are outlawed almost everywhere (murder), whilst others only reflect the social attitudes of society. Punishment under criminal law is decided by the state, and not by the victim.