The term that describes the body of law dealing with wrongs against society is which?

The term that describes the body of law dealing with wrongs against society is which?

• A. Civil Law
• B. Criminal Law
• C. Due Process
• D. Precedent

Answer: (B)

Criminal law governs offenses that harm society and are prosecuted by the state. It defines what counts as a crime, sets penalties, and outlines the process for bringing and deciding cases, including the obligation to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The idea of “wrongs against society” signals public harm, not private disputes, which is why criminal law is the correct category. Civil law, in contrast, handles disputes between private parties over rights and duties and usually seeks remedies like damages or injunctions. Due process refers to fair treatment in legal proceedings, ensuring due notice and a fair hearing, not the body of law itself. Precedent is the use of prior court decisions to guide later rulings, not the type of law. So the term describing wrongs against society is criminal law.

Criminal law governs offenses that harm society and are prosecuted by the state. It defines what counts as a crime, sets penalties, and outlines the process for bringing and deciding cases, including the obligation to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The idea of “wrongs against society” signals public harm, not private disputes, which is why criminal law is the correct category.

Civil law, in contrast, handles disputes between private parties over rights and duties and usually seeks remedies like damages or injunctions. Due process refers to fair treatment in legal proceedings, ensuring due notice and a fair hearing, not the body of law itself. Precedent is the use of prior court decisions to guide later rulings, not the type of law. So the term describing wrongs against society is criminal law.