Which statement best defines the function of Penal Law (PL)?

The function of Penal Law (PL) is best defined by the statement that describes crimes and their attendant punishments. Penal Law serves as the body of law that defines what constitutes criminal behavior, establishes the legal penalties for those offenses, and regulates the enforcement of those penalties by the justice system.

This framework is essential for maintaining public order, ensuring justice, and providing consequences for individuals who violate the law. Penal Law not only specifies various crimes but also classifies them according to severity—for example, differentiating between felonies and misdemeanors—thereby allowing for a structured approach to criminal justice. It also addresses key questions about the nature of offenses and the appropriate degrees of punishment, helping to ensure consistency and fairness in the application of justice.

In contrast, other options focus on concepts not encapsulated by Penal Law. Civil rights violations pertain to civil law rather than criminal law. Community service guidelines and traffic laws also fall outside the scope of Penal Law, as they deal with different regulatory areas and mechanisms for enforcement that do not directly entail the structure and consequences of criminal offenses.