Which law is generally considered to involve public wrongs and sanctions by the state?

The correct answer is criminal law, which is fundamentally concerned with actions that are deemed offenses against the state or public. In criminal law, the government prosecutes individuals who have allegedly violated laws established to maintain public order and safety. Offenses such as theft, assault, and murder are classified as public wrongs because they pose a threat to societal well-being and order.

Criminal law serves to protect the community by punishing wrongdoers, thus acting as a deterrent for future criminal behavior. The state enforces these laws through various agencies, and sanctions can include imprisonment, fines, or community service, which illustrates the authority and responsibility of the state in addressing crimes.

The other areas of law mentioned serve different purposes; civil law primarily addresses disputes between individuals or entities, focusing on compensation rather than punishment. Substantive law defines rights and responsibilities in various contexts, and procedural law outlines the processes for enforcing those rights. While both civil and substantive laws can impact individuals, they do not involve the state sanctioning public wrongs in the same way as criminal law does.