Criminal Law is a body of law that punishes public wrongs or crimes by imposing punishment on those who perpetrate the crime. The word “crime” in this sense means a violation of a law written and passed by a government, as distinct from a moral wrong. Criminal laws vary widely between jurisdictions, but typically outlaw dangerous conduct (like murder), prohibit the use of certain drugs, and provide for sentences proportionate to the severity of the offense.

Criminal law is distinguished from civil law, whose emphasis is more on dispute resolution and victim compensation than on punishment (though civil remedies are often available in criminal courts). However, some acts like theft or arson may be both crimes and civil offenses depending on the nature of the case.