What Is Criminal Law? How Does It Proceed In The Court?
In its simplest definition, criminal law is a branch of law that specifies and controls criminal acts and behaviors in the society. A criminal act can be individual or public offense, violation of rules and regulations, and anything that the law does not permit.
“Criminal law refers to a body of laws that apply to criminal acts.”A crime scene is when an individual fails to stick to the law; instead, he or she ends up breaking it up.
In broader and more technical terms, criminal law is a body of law, specified by the government and the judiciary. Disobeying or violation of the law can entitle one as a criminal, and that individual will face criminal charges. The proceedings will take place according to the law enacted according as mentioned in the law book. The law warrants punishment and in some cases, death sentence to a criminal.
The offenders are taken through a standard proceeding, which is determined by the facts collected by the team of investigatorsand the commission of crime.
Types of Criminal Law
Apparently, there are two types of crimes — first, Misdemeanor and second, Felonies.
Misdemeanor crimes are the crimes of lower degree. These misconducts include breaking the traffic rules, involvement small thefts, and minor assault. In many states of America, an individual, facing charges of misdemeanor crime, may be sent to jail up to one year. The jail term for misdemeanor crime is usually less than one year.
Felony is a more serious offense. In fact, it is not an offense or violation; felonies include acts of inhuman behavior such as murder, drugs, rape, robbery, mass murdering or genocide,corruption, etc. The penalties for felonies is generally more than one year, depending on the enactment of the criminal.
Example cases of criminal law, to be specific, felonies, is: Homicide, Conspiracy, Fraud and Theft, White Collar Crime, Conspiring against the nation, Burglary, Manslaughter, Death by Auto, Aggravated Sexual Assault, and Receiving and Keeping Stolen Goods.
Possession of Drugs, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with an intent to distribute, Insurance Fraud,and Possession of Drugs by a Doctor of Chiropractic are a few other cases of criminal law.
Facts about Criminal Justice
· Put simply, this is how criminal justice takes place — Crime > Police > Prosecution > Judiciary > Imprisonment
· Criminal law can sometimes be confusing. For example, the system cares for the interests of the victim as well as of the defendant. This is why; it becomes important to hire an experienced criminal lawyer if you are facing criminal charges.
· Punishment is often given to set an example in the society and lower the rate of crime.
· If detained, the defendant can get bail.
