The foundation of a society's endeavor to uphold safety and public order is criminal law, which strikes a balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of the community. It includes a broad spectrum of laws and legal precepts that specify crimes, their definitions, and the associated penalties. Criminal law essentially addresses conduct that is considered dangerous or threatening to the public, such as offenses against people, property, and the government. The goals of the legal system are to protect victims, discourage wrongdoing, and, when feasible, rehabilitate offenders.

The presumption of innocence, a fundamental tenet of criminal law that is incorporated into numerous legal systems worldwide, is one of its most important features. By guaranteeing that a person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, this fundamental right protects against erroneous convictions and preserves the fairness of the legal system. The prosecution bears the burden of proof, needing to prove the defendant's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." This strict evidentiary requirement emphasizes how crucial truth and justice are in criminal cases.