Criminal Law-Offences, Procedure, Sentencing, And Emerging Criminal-Justice Questions

Abstract

Criminal law defines what is considered to be sufficiently undesirable for society to take action against. It explains what acts or failures to act are criminal offences, when a person may be held responsible, and what subsequent procedures and penalties may follow. In contrast to a dispute between private parties, a criminal case is brought by the state on behalf of the public, and the punishments may include imprisonment, fines, restrictions on liberty, and social censure. Consequently, it is necessary to both protect the public and safeguard the rights of the accused. The exact nature of criminal law varies between jurisdictions. The definitions of criminal offences, available defences and sentencing guidelines will be determined by a particular jurisdiction’s statutes and case law. However, there are a number of principles that are generally recognised.