What is the primary purpose of criminal law?

The primary purpose of criminal law is to maintain public order and protect individuals and property. Criminal law serves as a framework to define behaviors that are unacceptable and harmful to society, categorizing these behaviors as offenses against the state or community. By establishing these laws, societies aim to deter criminal behavior through the threat of punishment, thereby promoting safety and security for all individuals.

The enforcement of these laws helps ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions, reducing the likelihood of harm to others and preserving a sense of security within the community. In this capacity, criminal law acts as a mechanism for safeguarding individuals' rights and property against criminal acts, thereby fostering a stable and orderly society.

Other options may touch upon important aspects of law or governance but do not encapsulate the fundamental role that criminal law plays in society's overall function. For instance, while civil rights and liberties, economic regulations, and political authority are crucial facets of the legal system, they do not primarily aim at maintaining public order and protecting individuals and property in the same direct manner as criminal law does.