Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime. It proscribes conduct perceived as threatening, harmful, or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people inclusive of one's self.the part of the legal system which relates to punishing people who have committed a criminal act: Investigation of breaches of the criminal law is generally the responsibility of the police. Compare. civil law.There are two types of criminal laws: misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor is an offense that is considered a lower level criminal offense, such as minor assaults, traffic offenses, or petty thefts. In contrast, felony crimes involve more serious offenses.the part of the legal system which relates to punishing people who have committed a criminal act: Investigation of breaches of the criminal law is generally the responsibility of the police. Compare. civil law.Criminal law deals with behavior that is or can be construed as an offense against the public, society, or the state—even if the immediate victim is an individual. Examples are murder, assault, theft,and drunken driving.Which came first, laws or crime? - Quora. Originally Answered: Which came first, the law or the crime? Obviously “law” came first, without which there would be no “crime,” or “breaking of the law.” One cannot “break” that which does not exist.The causes of crime are complex. Poverty, parental neglect, low self-esteem, alcohol and drug abuse can be connected to why people break the law. Some are at greater risk of becoming offenders because of the circumstances into which they are born.