What is the difference between criminal and constitutional law?

Criminal law and constitutional law are two very different areas of law. Criminal law is the body of law that governs the punishment of people who commit crimes. In criminal law, a prosecutor must prove someone’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. The punishments for criminal offenses typically include fines, probation, jail time, or even the death penalty. Constitutional law, on the other hand, is the body of law that governs the relationship between the government and its citizens. Constitutional law outlines the government’s authority and the rights of individuals. It also sets limits on the power of the government to make sure that citizens are not subjected to the unrestrained power of the government. In addition, constitutional law often dictates how laws are to be interpreted and enforced. In Virginia, criminal law is governed by state and federal statutes, while constitutional law is determined by the Virginia Constitution as well as the U.S. Constitution. Thus, criminal law is more broadly focused on punishing people for breaking the law, while constitutional law focuses on protecting citizens’ rights and limiting the power of the government.

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