What is the correct pairing for the crime law category that defines and sets out punishment?

• A. Statutory criminal law
• B. Administrative law
• C. Common law
• D. Constitutional law

Answer: (A)

Criminal penalties are defined in statutes enacted by the legislature and codified as statutory criminal law. This category specifically sets out what counts as a crime and the corresponding punishment, providing the official, written rules prosecutors and courts follow. Administrative law governs rules created by agencies and penalties for regulatory violations, not the foundational criminal offenses. Common law is law developed by court decisions over time; while it influences how offenses are interpreted, the punishments are typically drawn from statutory codes today. Constitutional law concerns the rights of individuals and the powers of government, not the explicit punishment schemes for each crime.