What is the main purpose of criminal law?

The main purpose of criminal law is indeed to prevent harm to society and punish wrongdoers. Criminal law serves as a framework for maintaining public order and safety by outlining behaviors that are considered harmful or threatening to individuals and the community at large. By establishing prohibitions against certain actions, such as theft, assault, and murder, criminal law aims to protect citizens and deter criminal behavior through the possibility of punishment, which can include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties.

This focus on societal protection emphasizes the collective interest in preventing crime and addressing wrongdoing. By holding individuals accountable for their actions that violate the law, society reinforces the notion that there are consequences for harmful behavior, thereby promoting a sense of security and public trust.

In contrast, options that suggest defining personal injury actions, outlining civil rights, or resolving disputes between private parties relate more to civil law. These areas focus primarily on compensating victims or addressing grievances between individuals rather than addressing the broader impact on society as a whole, which is the inherent focus of criminal law.