Introduction to Criminal Law and Legal Systems

Notes

Criminal Law - The body of law that defines crimes, fixed penalties for convicted offenders. Criminology- Study of why crime happens. Criminalistics - Analyzes physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA) to solve a specific crime. Forensic Science- The broad field using science for legal issues (including criminalistics). Criminal Process - The criminal process is the series of legal steps from a crime's investigation to the final punishment. Criminalistic is a branch of Forensic science. Types of Legal Systems; Common law (Caste Law) System American Law system (America, Australia, Canada) Civil Law (Code-Based) System (Influenced by French system) Religious Law System Customary Law System Mixed or Hybrid Legal System Socialist Law System International Law Wednesday 01/14/2026 Criminal Law - The body of law that defines crimes, fixed penalties for convicted offenders. Purpose of Criminal Law Protect society from harm Maintain public order Deter criminal behaviour Rehabilitate offenders Criminal Law Prevents crime State Vs Defendant Punishment - Fines, Imprisonment, & Probation Examples include murder, assault, & robbery Civil Law Resolves civil disputes (Divorce, Real estate etc) Plainti...