Understanding Criminal Law: Basics to International Perspectives

Criminal law governs crimes, including felonies and misdemeanors. It prescribes conduct perceived as threatening, harmful, or endangering to people, property, moral welfare, and safety.

To convict, the prosecution must show 'mens rea' (guilty mind) and 'actus reus' (guilty act). Mens rea denotes intent, while actus reus refers to the act itself.

Criminal law has roots in Common Law, originating from judicial opinions and traditions. It has evolved from social customs to well-defined statutes.

Inchoate offenses are crimes completed by taking a substantial step towards committing a crime, including attempts, conspiracy, and solicitation. These are punishable even if the actual crime isn't completed.

Defendants can argue several legal defenses, such as insanity, duress, self-defense, or entrapment. An interesting fact is that the 'insanity defense' is less common and seldom successful.

Criminal law focuses on punishment and rehabilitation. Some countries are moving towards restorative justice, emphasizing repairing the harm caused rather than only punishment.

International criminal law deals with international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutes individuals for such offenses.