Which defines offenses and punishments for those who threaten, harm, or endanger society?

• A. Administrative law
• B. Civil law
• C. International law
• D. Criminal law

Answer: (D)

Criminal law defines what conduct is illegal and what penalties follow for those actions. It targets behavior that threatens, harms, or endangers society, and it sets out offenses (crimes) and their punishments, such as fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. In criminal cases, the government prosecutes the offender, aiming to deter wrongdoing, punish harmful conduct, and protect the public.

This is distinct from administrative law, which governs how government agencies operate and enforce regulations; civil law, which handles private disputes between individuals or organizations and remedies like damages or injunctions; and international law, which regulates relations between states and international bodies.