CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE 2
Criminal Law and Procedure
Criminal law defines the obligations and rights of people in the society (Emanuel, 2007).
Criminal law may also refer to the body of laws that relate to crime. The law governs and
regulates the social conduct of individuals in the society as well as their behavior. It proscribes
what seems threatening, endangering, or harmful to a person’s safety, healthy, property and their
moral welfare. Criminal law includes punishing people who violate these rules. The law varies
according to jurisdiction. Additionally, it differs from civil law where civil law emphasis is more
on punishment rather that dispute resolution and compensation. Some common issues in criminal
law include elements of various criminal defenses and elements of specific crimes. Criminal
procedure concerns enforcement of a person’s rights during a criminal process (Samaha, 2014).
It is the adjudication process of criminal law. The process of the criminal procedure begins with
a formal criminal charge. The process ends with results in the acquittal or conviction of the
defendant. The criminal procedure differs dramatically from jurisdiction in some ways.
Currently, many countries in criminal procedure put the burden of proof on the prosecution. An
example of a criminal procedural issue includes an individual right during filling of charges,
arrest, trial, law enforcement, and appeal.
How criminal law and criminal procedure ensures justice
One way that criminal law and criminal procedure ensures justice is by addressing the
needs of victims of abuse. Criminals are a problem in the society. They cause chaos and
uncertainty in the justice system. Many people suffer from criminals in the society. The court of
law through the use of criminal law and criminal procedure help deliver justice to such
individuals. Justice is also ensured by making an individual pay for properties that he or she