Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of criminal law?

The choice correctly identifies that criminal law does not primarily regulate actions against private individuals but rather addresses conduct that impacts society as a whole. Criminal law is fundamentally concerned with the protection of public order and the welfare of the community.

In criminal law, offenses are considered wrong not only because they harm individual victims but because they violate laws enacted to protect public safety and morality. This framework establishes that the state prosecutes these offenses, aiming for penalties like incarceration or fines, reflecting the community’s interest in maintaining social order.

The other options highlight the essence of criminal law: it defines wrongful actions against the public, punishes offenders who violate legal statutes, and ultimately serves the broader interest of public welfare. Thus, understanding criminal law as a mechanism designed to protect societal standards rather than focusing on individual disputes distinguishes it clearly from civil law, where regulations are more centered on resolving conflicts between private parties.