Which of the following statements best describes criminal law?

Criminal law is primarily defined by statutes, which are laws enacted by legislative bodies. These statutes outline what constitutes a crime, specify the penalties for those crimes, and elaborate on the procedures to be followed in criminal cases. This statutory framework is essential because it provides clear definitions and guidelines for both enforcement and prosecution, ensuring that individuals understand what actions are considered criminal and the possible consequences of those actions.

While other statements touch on aspects of criminal conduct—such as acts prohibited by law or failures to act—they do not fully encapsulate the essence of criminal law on their own. Criminal law encompasses a broader range of conduct defined explicitly by statutes, and it relies heavily on these legal codes to establish what is prosecutable in a court of law. This delineation is fundamental because it supports the justice system's objective of maintaining public order and safety through well-defined illegal acts.