Law is essential for every country because it helps to guide people on how they should behave or conduct themselves without infringing on the rights of others. Those who go against the law are usually punished depending on the kind of offense they have committed. Criminal law is one that is made up of a set of rules meant to punish several criminal acts.

Failing to adhere to any of the criminal laws set means you have committed a criminal act by breaking the law. The most common criminal law penalties include imprisonment and denial of one’s rights. There are two common types of criminal laws which include felonies and misdemeanors.

Misdemeanors are offenses that are categorized as a criminal offense of a lower level. Some examples include petty thefts, traffic offenses, and minor assaults. The penalty of misdemeanor offenses is usually light, with some offenders getting less than a year imprisonment. Felonies are usually categorized as more serious offenses.

Examples of felony offenses include rape, murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking and manslaughter. Felony cases usually come with hefty penalties with some even facing more than a year imprisonment. Criminal laws may vary from one country to another or state to state. Criminal law serves a number of purposes and is beneficial to the society in several ways which include:

Protects Individuals and Property

One good thing about criminal law is that it helps protect people and their property from criminals who would cause physical harm to them or even go to the extent of stealing and damaging their goods. Losing property of great value is very painful to many who toil day and night to own them. That is the reason most criminal laws are meant to punish those who steal other people’s properties or items.

Dispute Resolution

Criminal law is also there to guide people in solving disputes. It provides that orderly and peaceful platform to resolve disputes without engaging in any form of quarrels or conflicts. All criminal cases are heard and decided in accordance with the criminal laws set by a particular country or state. This helps promote a fair hearing.

Maintaining Order

This type of law also helps keep order in a specific society. You will always be in the know of what to expect from others and that engaging in particular activities may infringe on the rights of others. This helps promote peaceful coexistence in the society. Without criminal law, everything would be in chaos.