Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

Criminal law is primarily concerned with which of the following?

1. Disputes between individuals

2. Harm to society as a whole

3. Business transactions

4. Property disputes

The correct answer is: Harm to society as a whole

Criminal law focuses on actions that are deemed harmful to society, thereby seeking to maintain public order and safety. This branch of law addresses offenses that violate state laws and pose a threat to social norms and values. It emphasizes the government’s role in prosecuting individuals who commit crimes, as these offenses are considered offenses against the state or society at large, rather than just individual victims. The nature of criminal law involves a wide array of crimes, including theft, assault, and murder, all categorized as actions that can disrupt public peace or cause societal harm. The implications of these crimes are not limited to the immediate victims but extend to the broader community, underscoring the rationale that society has a vested interest in prosecuting such behaviors. In contrast, the other options represent areas of law that deal with private disputes (individuals, business transactions, and property disputes) rather than crimes against society. Civil law, for instance, addresses issues between private parties, such as contract disputes or tort claims, which do not engage the penal system in the same way that criminal law does. Therefore, the primary concern of criminal law is indeed centered on the protection of society from harm.