What is the primary purpose of criminal cases?

The primary purpose of criminal cases is to punish the offender, which is reflected in the need for the judicial system to maintain law and order within society. Criminal cases are designed to address violations of law that are deemed harmful to society as a whole. When an individual commits a crime, it disrupts social harmony and poses a threat to public safety.

The outcome of a criminal case is to impose penalties on the perpetrator to deter them and others from committing similar acts in the future. This can include imprisonment, fines, community service, or other forms of punishment deemed appropriate for the crime committed. The notion of punishment also serves to uphold societal norms and deter further criminal behavior.

In contrast, while righting a wrong and providing restitution may be important aspects of civil cases, criminal cases focus primarily on the state or government taking action against the offender for the purpose of punishment and deterrence. Monetary rewards or restitution to victims are not the foundational objectives of criminal proceedings.