The Criminal Law

• Criminal Law


  The body that deals with conduct considered so harmful to society as a whole that it is prohibited by statute, prosecuted, and punished by the government.
• What are the functions of criminal law?

  • Acts as a mechanism of social control.
  • Maintains order.
  • Defined the parameters of acceptable behaviour.
  • Reduces the risk of personal retaliation.
  • Assists in general and specific deterrence.
  • Prosecutes criminalised behaviour.
  • Protects group interests.