What is the primary concern of criminal law?

The primary concern of criminal law is to define crimes against public order. Criminal law aims to maintain the social order and protect the community by establishing what behaviors are considered criminal and the penalties for those behaviors. The law seeks to prevent harm to individuals and society as a whole, addressing offenses that threaten public safety, health, and morals.

Criminal acts are seen not just as wrongs against an individual, but against society as a whole, which explains why the prosecution is typically carried out by the state. This action reflects the broader interest in upholding laws that serve to protect the public from harm. By clearly defining what constitutes a crime and establishing consequences for those who violate these laws, criminal law serves as a framework for promoting social order and justice.