Difference between criminal Law and civil Law |civil law| criminal law Criminal law is a legal system that governs the prosecution of individuals or entities for acts considered harmful to society, typically labeled as crimes. It involves the investigation, prosecution, defense, and punishment of individuals accused of violating laws established by the government. Criminal law aims to maintain public order, deter criminal behavior, and ensure justice by imposing penalties such as fines, imprisonment, probation, or rehabilitation on those found guilty. Key components include statutes defining offenses, rules of evidence, due process, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.