Droit pénal

Droit pénal, or criminal law, is the branch of law that defines crimes and sets the rules for how society deals with individuals who commit offenses. It establishes what actions are illegal, the penalties for those actions, and the procedures for prosecution and trial. Its purpose is to maintain social order, protect citizens, and ensure justice. Criminal law balances the rights of the accused with the need to deter harmful conduct, outlining standards for evidence, defenses, and sentencing. Essentially, it governs how the legal system responds to violations that threaten public safety and moral standards.