Criminal Law

Criminal Law is the body of law that relates to crime and the punishment of individuals who engage in unlawful conduct. It encompasses a range of offenses, which are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors, and sets forth the legal framework for prosecution and defense in criminal cases. The primary purpose of Criminal Law is to maintain public order, protect individuals and property, and deter criminal behavior through sanctions that may include imprisonment, fines, or community service. Key concepts within Criminal Law include culpability, intent, and the rights of the accused, along with procedures for trial and appeals.

  1. Definition and Purpose of Criminal Law
    1. Body of Law Dealing with Crime
      1. Definition of crime
        1. Substantive criminal law vs. procedural criminal law
          1. How criminal law differs from civil law
            1. Frameworks within different jurisdictions
              1. Sources of criminal law (statutes, case law, regulations)
              2. Punishment of Unlawful Conduct
                1. Objectives of punishment
                  1. Retribution
                    1. Deterrence
                      1. Rehabilitation
                        1. Incapacitation
                        2. Types of punishments
                          1. Capital punishment
                            1. Incarceration
                              1. Community service
                                1. Probation
                                  1. Fines
                                2. Maintenance of Public Order
                                  1. Role in societal stability
                                    1. Prevention of vigilantism
                                      1. Enforcing moral and ethical standards
                                        1. Mechanisms for conflict resolution
                                          1. Public trust in law enforcement and governance
                                          2. Protection of Individuals and Property
                                            1. Ensuring personal safety
                                              1. Safeguarding property rights
                                                1. Crime prevention strategies
                                                  1. Role of law enforcement agencies
                                                  2. Deterrence of Criminal Behavior
                                                    1. Concepts of general and specific deterrence
                                                      1. Influence of severity, certainty, and celerity of punishment
                                                        1. Public awareness and education campaigns
                                                          1. Research on effectiveness of deterrence strategies