What describes unacceptable behavior and the government's response to it?

Criminal law is specifically designed to define unacceptable behavior that is deemed harmful to society and established by governmental statutes. It involves offenses that are prohibited by law, and for which the government imposes penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or community service in response to these infractions.

The essence of criminal law lies in protecting public order, deterring wrongdoing, and punishing those who violate these norms. Crimes are categorized into various levels, such as misdemeanors and felonies, depending on their severity, and they involve a formal legal process that includes investigation, prosecution, and, if warranted, conviction.

In contrast, civil law primarily deals with disputes between individuals or organizations and is not focused on criminal behavior or societal harm. Ordinances are local laws or regulations enacted by municipalities, and regulatory laws involve rules established by government agencies to manage specific activities or industries. While all these serve important roles in governance and societal functioning, they do not address the core framework of unacceptable behavior that criminal law delineates.