Criminal Law in UAE: Offenses, Penalties & Your Next Steps

If you’re facing a police call, a Public Prosecution summons, or a complaint in Dubai (or anywhere in the UAE), the biggest risk is moving too slowly — or speaking too freely — before you understand what the case is really about.

UAE criminal cases can escalate fast. Evidence may be collected early (phones, messages, CCTV, bank records), travel can be affected, and misunderstandings can become formal allegations. This guide explains how criminal law in the UAE works in plain language, what kinds of conduct most often leads to criminal complaints, and the steps that protect you from day one.

If your situation is urgent, speak with a Criminal Lawyer before you give statements or sign anything.

What is Criminal Law in the UAE?

UAE criminal law is a hybrid system that combines codified federal legislation (including the Crimes & Penalties Law and the Criminal Procedures Law) with Sharia-based principles in limited areas, such as serious crimes involving retribution or blood money (Qisas and Diya). It defines criminal conduct as a public wrong, sets penalties and procedures for investigation and trial, and classifies offenses from minor infractions to serious felonies to protect public order and society.

You can download the full PDF guide here: Criminal law in UAE

Criminal law in the UAE is the set of rules that defines:

• what conduct is considered a crime,
  
• how investigations and trials are handled,
  
• what punishments courts may impose.

In practice, UAE criminal law is shaped by:

• Federal legislation (especially the Crimes & Penalties Law and the Criminal Procedures Law),
  
• special laws (cybercrime, narcotics, domestic violence, and others),
  
• and, in limited areas, principles drawn from Islamic Sharia (including concepts such as Qisas and Diya in serious cases).

The UAE Laws that Control Criminal Cases – The Legal Framework

In the UAE, criminal cases are mainly governed by two core federal laws: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (the Crimes and Penalties Law), which defines criminal offenses and their penalties, and Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (the Criminal Procedures Law), which sets out how a case moves from complaint and investigation to court proceedings and judgment.

When we handle criminal matters, we usually map the case against five pillars:

1. Crimes & Penalties (the Penal Code framework)
   Defines crimes, intent, liability, justifications, penalties, and measures.
   
2. Criminal Procedures
   Controls the steps of the case: arrest, detention decisions, investigation, referrals, hearings, appeals.
   
3. Cybercrime law
   Covers online behavior, unauthorized access, digital fraud, defamation, and publishing offenses.
   
4. Narcotics and psychotropic substances law
   Covers possession, use, trafficking, and related conduct.
   
5. Domestic violence / protection-related laws
   Defines domestic abuse and protective outcomes.

A strong defense starts by identifying which pillar the complaint is truly based on — because the legal route, evidence expectations, and exposure can change.

If you want immediate help on a live matter, our Criminal Services team can review the situation and guide the next steps.

UAE Criminal Law Explained: The Key Components of Criminal Law in UAE

UAE criminal law is mainly governed by the modern federal penal framework — the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021), which replaced the older Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 — together with the Criminal Procedures Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022), which sets out how a case moves from complaint and investigation to trial, judgment, and appeals.

In practice, offenses are commonly treated by severity (contraventions, misdemeanors, and felonies), with penalties that can include fines, imprisonment, and—in the most serious cases—capital punishment under UAE law. Investigations are typically driven by the Public Prosecution, cases are heard before a judge (not a jury), and Arabic is the default court language, with statements taken in or translated into Arabic and interpreters commonly provided; appeals can proceed to higher courts under the procedures law.

Note: Arabic is generally the default in mainland courts, but there have also been legal/practice updates in recent years that allow English in certain court proceedings in specific contexts.

UAE criminal law sits on two pillars:

• Substantive criminal law (what is a crime + what punishment can follow) — mainly the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021), in force from 2 January 2022.
  
• Criminal procedure (how a case moves from complaint → investigation → court → judgment) — mainly the Criminal Procedures Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022), which governs how criminal cases are handled from the first report to final rulings.
  

When we defend clients, we break every matter down into the components below. It helps readers understand what the authorities must prove, where the case can go, and what actions protect them early.

If you are already under investigation, speak to a Criminal Lawyer before you give statements or hand over devices.

1) What sources define crimes in the UAE?

The Crimes and Penalties Law draws a clear line:

• Islamic Sharia applies to crimes punishable by Qisas (retribution) and Diya (blood money).
  
• Other crimes and penalties are defined by the Crimes and Penalties Law and other penal laws in force.
  

2) Core principles every reader should understand

These rules shape most UAE criminal cases:

• Personal responsibility and presumption of innocence: A person is not convicted for another person’s act, and the accused is treated as innocent until guilt is proven under the law.
  
• No punishment without a legal basis: Courts impose punitive measures only in cases and conditions set by law.
  
• Time of the offense matters: A crime is judged under the law in force when it was committed. If a more favorable law is issued before a final judgment, it may benefit the accused.

3) When criminal law applies in UAE (jurisdiction)

UAE criminal law generally applies to crimes committed on UAE territory, including land, territorial waters, and airspace.

A crime can also be treated as committed in the UAE if:

• an act happened in the UAE, or
  
• the result happened in the UAE (or was intended to happen in the UAE).

Cyber-related offenses can extend outside the UAE in specific cases, such as when the conduct involves government systems, is planned or financed from inside the UAE, harms UAE security or interests, harms nationals or residents, or the offender is found in the UAE and not extradited.

4) The legal “elements” of a crime in UAE law

UAE law breaks criminal liability into two main elements.

A) The material element (the act itself)

The material element is the criminal activity:

• doing something (commission), or
  
• failing to do something (omission),
  where that conduct is criminal under the law.
  

The law also addresses causation: responsibility for results linked to the person’s criminal activity.

Attempt: An attempt is an effort to commit a crime that was stopped or did not produce the intended result for reasons beyond the perpetrator’s will, where the conduct forms part of the material element or directly leads to it.

B) The moral element (intention or error)

The moral element consists of:

• intention, when the person wills the act or omission and aims to produce a criminal result (including expected results criminalized by law), or
  
• error, where outcomes happen due to mistake, such as negligence, recklessness, lack of precaution, or failure to follow rules.

In real cases, many defenses succeed or fail based on this mental element. It’s why early statements matter so much.

5) Participation: liability can include accomplices

UAE law can impose liability on:

• the direct perpetrator, and
  
• participants in the offense.

A person can be treated as a perpetrator if they commit the crime alone or as a direct accomplice in defined situations.

“Accomplice by causation” can include:

• instigation,
  
• agreement,
  
• supplying tools or weapons,
  
• intentionally helping preparation, facilitation, or completion.

Participants can be punished with the penalty of the crime unless the law provides otherwise. This is a common risk point in group incidents, workplace matters, and digital cases involving shared access.

6) Justifications and defenses (when conduct is not a crime)

The Crimes and Penalties Law recognizes situations where conduct is not criminal, including:

• Good-faith use of a right established by Sharia or law (examples include licensed medical treatment, regulated sports, and acts needed to arrest a caught offender).
  
• Urgent assistance or relief given in good faith to save life or prevent bodily harm.
  
• Performance of duty by an authorized person or public servant in defined conditions.
  
• Legitimate defense (self-defense) with conditions such as immediate danger, inability to resort to authorities in time, necessity, and proportionality.

The law also notes that exceeding justification limits in good faith may be treated as an extenuating excuse, and the judge may pardon.

7) Impediments to liability

UAE law addresses situations where criminal liability may not attach, such as where a person loses perception or will at the time of the act due to:

• insanity or mental deficiency,
  
• involuntary intoxication,
  and similar causes.

These issues are fact-sensitive. They require careful legal handling and often expert support.

8) Penalties and measures: what courts can impose

UAE law provides several outcomes courts may impose.

Principal penalties can include:

• Qisas/Diya,
  
• death,
  
• life imprisonment,
  
• temporary imprisonment,
  
• incarceration,
  
• detention,
  
• fines.

The law also sets general ranges (unless another law states otherwise), including:

• temporary imprisonment (often framed as 3–15 years),
  
• incarceration (often framed as 1 month–3 years).

Accessory penalties can include deprivation of rights or privileges, police probation, and dismissal from public service.

Criminal measures are separate from penalties and may restrict freedom or impose controls. Examples include restrictions on visiting certain places, restricting residence, probation, community service, and deportation.

If you’re an expat, this is why early advice from a Criminal attorney matters. Outcomes are not limited to jail or fines.

9) How a criminal case starts and moves forward (procedure)

From the procedure law framework:

• Public Prosecution has exclusive jurisdiction to institute and prosecute criminal actions, except where the law allows another body.
  
• Some offenses are complaint-based (they require a victim complaint). These cases have timing rules and conditions.
  
• A complaint can be filed with Public Prosecution or a Judicial Police Officer, and in certain “caught in the act” situations, with public authority personnel present.
  
• In complaint-based cases, waiver of the complaint can terminate the criminal action if done before a final judgment, subject to rules for multiple victims or accused persons.

This is why we focus on strategy early: whether a case is complaint-based can change how it ends.

Principles that shape UAE criminal cases

UAE criminal cases are guided by a hybrid legal framework that combines codified civil-law legislation with Sharia-based principles in limited areas, and they operate under several core rules that shape how investigations and trials unfold. Key principles include the presumption of innocence (so the prosecution must prove guilt), the legality principle (no act is treated as a crime and no penalty is imposed unless the law clearly provides for it), and the rule that criminal laws are not applied retroactively unless a newer provision benefits the accused. Penalties are personal to the offender and must remain proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the offense.

Defendants also have the right to legal representation, and in felony matters counsel is mandatory—appointed by the court where the accused cannot afford one. The system is built around fair-trial safeguards and due process protections, including limits on arbitrary arrest, access to interpretation where needed, and the right to challenge judgments through appeals. Sharia remains a significant source in specific categories, including certain serious crimes (such as murder) and matters connected to personal status in the broader legal environment. Criminal investigations and prosecutions are led by the Public Prosecution, and cases move through a three-tier court structure—Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation—for review and final determination.

These principles show up again and again in real cases — and they explain why “small” actions sometimes lead to serious trouble.

1) Legality: the charge must match the law

A person can only be prosecuted and punished when conduct fits a defined legal provision. In real life, the fight is often about how the facts are framed:

• Was it a threat or “heated words”?
  
• Was it fraud or a civil debt dispute?
  
• Was it “defamation” or a complaint made in good faith?

Early legal analysis matters because the first written version of events often becomes the case narrative.

2) Jurisdiction: which UAE authority can investigate and prosecute?

Jurisdiction is not only about where something happened. It can involve:

• where a message was sent or received,
  
• where an account is registered,
  
• where a device is located,
  
• where the “harm” is claimed.
  

This is why cyber complaints can turn into UAE cases even when a person was abroad for part of the events.

3) Time limits: not every case stays open forever

Some crimes have limitation periods; others can remain active longer depending on category, interruption events, and procedure steps. The safe assumption is simple: delay does not protect you. If there’s a complaint, treat it as active until a lawyer confirms otherwise.

The Elements of a Crime in UAE Practice

In the UAE, criminal liability is mainly assessed under the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) and generally follows the classic structure of a “guilty act” and a “guilty mind.” In simple terms, most offenses require a voluntary physical act (or a legally relevant omission), together with a moral element such as intent or fault (including negligence or recklessness), and the two must connect in a way that shows the mental element drove the conduct. Many cases also turn on causation—proving a clear link between the act and the alleged harm. Criminal Procedures are then governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022, which controls how investigations, prosecutions, and trials are handled.

Most criminal offenses come down to two building blocks:

Material element (what happened)

The physical act or omission — for example:

• sending a message,
  
• taking money,
  
• hitting someone,
  
• entering a system without permission.

Moral element (what was in the mind)

Intent, knowledge, or reckless behavior — for example:

• did you mean to harm?
  
• did you know the information was false?
  
• did you intend to obtain an unlawful benefit?

In practice, the strongest early defenses focus on:

• gaps in the material element (weak evidence, mistaken identity, missing proof),
  
• or gaps in the moral element (no intent, misunderstanding, lack of knowledge).

How crimes are classified in the UAE (high-level)

Crimes in the UAE are primarily classified into three main categories under the Federal Penal Code: Felonies, Misdemeanors, and Violations (Contraventions), differing by severity, with Felonies being the most serious (murder, drug trafficking) and Violations the least (minor traffic issues). Penalties range from fines and short detention for violations to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for severe felonies, with Islamic Sharia principles applying to certain crimes like retribution (qisas) and blood money (diya). 

UAE criminal law commonly groups crimes by seriousness into categories that affect:

• potential penalties,
  
• which court hears the matter,
  
• whether detention is likely,
  
• how appeal options work.

You will often see crimes treated as:

• Felonies (most serious),
  
• Misdemeanors (serious but below felony),
  
• Infractions / minor offenses (lower-level).

The label is not just academic — it shapes strategy from the first day.

Common Criminal Offenses in Dubai and Across the UAE

Common criminal offenses in Dubai and across the UAE often involve financial allegations (including fraud and bounced-cheque matters), drug-related offenses, cybercrimes (such as hacking and online defamation), theft and robbery, assault, and alcohol-related violations (DUI and public intoxication), alongside certain public order and morality issues. Penalties can be tough in higher-risk categories—especially drug trafficking and serious cyber offenses—under a legal framework driven by federal criminal legislation and, in limited areas, Sharia-based principles.

In reality, many UAE criminal cases begin with ordinary disputes—not headline crimes. A workplace disagreement, a family issue, a business deal that turns sour, or a message sent in anger can quickly become a formal complaint. Once a report is filed, matters may move from “trying to resolve it” to official steps involving the police, Public Prosecution, and court hearings.

Below are the most common case types we handle in practice, along with the evidence that usually decides outcomes. If any of these situations reflects what you’re facing, speaking to a Criminal Lawyer early can help contain the risk and protect your position.

1) Assault, threats, harassment, and “fights that turn into cases”

In the UAE, fights often produce two cases, not one — especially if both sides file complaints.

Evidence that usually decides outcomes:

• medical reports and injury classification,
  
• CCTV,
  
• WhatsApp/voice notes,
  
• witness statements.

Risk pattern: a short argument becomes a bigger case when threats are recorded or posted.

2) Theft, breach of trust, and employee-related allegations

These cases often involve:

• missing inventory,
  
• disputed cash handling,
  
• allegations around company property,
  
• misuse of authority.

Many defenses turn on documentation:

• job role and access,
  
• handover records,
  
• internal approvals,
  
• audit trails.

3) Fraud and financial misconduct

Common scenarios:

• forged documents or altered invoices,
  
• misrepresentation in a transaction,
  
• misuse of signatures or company stamps,
  
• disputes that start as “debt” but shift into a fraud allegation.

A key strategy is controlling the civil vs criminal boundary: not every business dispute is a crime, but sloppy communications can invite a criminal angle.

4) Public order and behavior-based complaints

Cases may arise from:

• insulting language,
  
• offensive gestures,
  
• public disturbance,
  
• intoxication-related incidents,
  
• recording or sharing someone’s image without consent (often overlaps with cybercrime).

These matters can look “minor,” yet still carry serious consequences for expats (including immigration impact).

Attempt and participation: can you be charged even if you didn’t “finish” the act?

In many cases, you can be charged with a crime even if it was not completed—this is called an attempted or inchoate offense. To prove an attempt, the prosecution must show you had the intent (mens rea) to commit the crime and took a substantial step (actus reus) toward it, such as preparing or initiating the act. Examples include attempted robbery, arson, or murder, even if the crime fails. Penalties are usually less severe than for a completed offense but can still involve fines or imprisonment. Defenses may include voluntary abandonment or legal impossibility. Seeking a qualified attorney is essential to understand your rights and options.

Two situations appear frequently in practice:

Attempt

If someone begins a criminal act but it is interrupted or fails, the legal system may still treat it as criminal conduct (based on how the law defines that offense and the evidence).

Participation

A person may face exposure where the claim is they:

• helped,
  
• encouraged,
  
• provided tools or access,
  
• coordinated steps.
  

This shows up in cyber matters (shared accounts/devices), fraud disputes (emails, approvals), and group incidents.

If you are being questioned about “involvement,” get advice from a Criminal attorney before you explain timelines informally.

Cybercrime in the UAE: social media, defamation, unauthorized access

Cybercrime in the UAE is regulated under strict legislation, led by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which covers offenses such as unauthorized access (hacking), online fraud, spreading false news or rumors, and violations of privacy. Depending on the conduct and the impact, penalties can include imprisonment and significant fines. Enforcement is supported by specialized cyber units and official reporting channels, including Dubai Police’s eCrime platform, reflecting the UAE’s strong focus on deterrence and protection of government systems, personal data, and digital safety.

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing sources of criminal complaints in the UAE, especially in Dubai where online disputes spread quickly.

Common case triggers:

• Defamation and insult online (posts, stories, comments, DMs)
  
• Sharing private images, chats, or recordings
  
• Unauthorized access (accounts, devices, systems)
  
• Cyber fraud (impersonation, links, payment requests)
  

Practical risk that surprises people:

• forwarding content can be treated as publication,
  
• “I was joking” rarely protects you once content is documented,
  
• deleting messages does not always remove evidence.
  

What we do early in cyber cases:

• secure and review the exact content complained of,
  
• map device access and account control,
  
• build a timeline before any statement is made.

If your case involves messages or social media, contact a Criminal Advocates team early — digital cases often become harder after the first statement.

Drug offenses in the UAE: possession, use, trafficking risks

The UAE enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug offenses under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, with severe penalties for residents and visitors alike. Possession, consumption, or trafficking of illegal substances can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, deportation, and in extreme cases, the death penalty. Even trace amounts in the body or on personal items are punishable. First-time offenders may be referred to rehabilitation programs, while trafficking offenses carry the harshest sentences. Foreigners face additional rules at entry points, including fines, deportation, and entry bans. Travelers must ensure prescription medications comply with UAE regulations and carry proper documentation to avoid prosecution.

The UAE treats drug matters with high seriousness. Even when reforms introduce treatment routes in limited situations, the legal exposure can still include detention, prosecution, and immigration consequences.

Common real-life scenarios:

• residue on personal items,
  
• prescription confusion,
  
• second-hand exposure claims that require proof,
  
• possession allegations where control is disputed,
  
• airport-related incidents.

In drug cases, timing matters:

• evidence collection happens early,
  
• statements given in the first hours can shape the entire case.

If drugs are alleged in any form, don’t “explain your way out” without advice — speak to a Criminal Lawyer first.

Family, morality, and domestic violence cases

Family, morality, and domestic violence cases often overlap because abuse damages the family unit and turns the home into an unsafe place. These matters raise difficult questions about intervention and responsibility—especially where children, dependants, or other vulnerable family members are affected. Beyond the legal consequences, domestic abuse can cause lasting psychological harm and expose gaps in support systems, which is why timely reporting, protective measures, and legal action are critical to safeguarding victims.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is criminalized in the UAE and can involve:

• complaints leading to protective measures,
  
• criminal investigations,
  
• court outcomes that affect family life, residence, and work.
  

In these cases, documentation matters:

• medical records,
  
• messages and call logs,
  
• witness accounts,
  
• prior reports.

Relationships and morality-related allegations

Recent reforms changed parts of the legal environment, yet risk remains where:

• a spouse files a complaint,
  
• conduct is linked to another offense,
  
• the facts trigger public order or decency concerns.

For expats, the practical point is this: even if someone believes conduct is “now allowed,” a complaint can still create a case that must be handled with care.

Arrest, Detention, Investigation, Bail, and Trial: What Happens in a UAE Criminal Case?

A UAE criminal case often moves faster than people expect — especially in Dubai. You may receive a call from a police station, a message to attend for “questions,” or a Public Prosecution summons before you fully understand the complaint. At this stage, small mistakes can shape the file for months: the first statement, the first set of documents submitted, and even the tone of your communications with the other party.

This is why we treat the early phase as a legal emergency. The goal is simple: protect your position from day one, control the narrative with facts and documents, and avoid actions that create new allegations (such as threats, online posts, or deleting evidence). If you are contacted by police or Public Prosecution, speaking with a Criminal Lawyer before giving a statement is often the safest step.

Step 1: Police contact (call, summons, or station visit)

This can happen before you even know the complaint details.

What to do

• Stay calm and polite.
  
• Ask what station/department is handling the matter.
  
• Ask if you’re requested as a witness, suspect, or for clarification.
  
• Contact a Criminal Lawyer before giving a statement.

What not to do

• Don’t send angry messages to the complainant.
  
• Don’t post about the dispute online.
  
• Don’t hand over passwords or devices without legal advice (unless formally required).

Step 2: Investigation stage (Public Prosecution involvement)

The Public Prosecution typically directs key investigation steps:

• statements,
  
• evidence collection,
  
• expert reports where needed,
  
• decisions on whether the matter proceeds.

This is where early defense work changes outcomes: a clear timeline, correct legal framing, and proper supporting documents can prevent escalation.

Step 3: Referral to court and hearings

If referred, hearings are judge-led. Outcomes depend on:

• the legal classification,
  
• strength and admissibility of evidence,
  
• consistency of statements,
  
• whether defenses are raised correctly and early.

Step 4: Judgment and appeals

Appeal options exist based on the case type and court level. A defense plan must be built for the long game: what helps at first instance also affects appeal strength.

What to Do Right Now if You Are Facing a Criminal Complaint in Dubai (or Anywhere in the UAE)

1. Stop direct contact with the complainant (especially messages or voice notes).
   
2. Preserve evidence (screenshots, invoices, contracts, chat backups, location proof).
   
3. Write a private timeline while facts are fresh (dates, names, exact words).
   
4. Do not sign statements you do not fully understand.
   
5. Speak to a lawyer before your first formal interview.

You can reach our Criminal Services team if you need case triage, document review, or representation.

Defenses, Mitigation, and What Changes Outcomes in UAE courts

No two cases are the same, but these factors often shift results:

Defense angles we assess early

• Lack of intent (moral element not proven)
  
• Weak identification or inconsistent witness evidence
  
• Missing chain of evidence in digital cases
  
• Civil dispute framed as a crime
  
• Consent and context where relevant
  
• Self-defense boundaries (case-specific)

Mitigation factors that can matter

• early repayment or settlement steps in financial disputes (where legally relevant),
  
• cooperation through counsel,
  
• lack of prior issues,
  
• strong documentation and credible timeline.

The key is raising the right points in the right stage — not after the file is already shaped against you.

Why contact a criminal defense lawyer in Dubai early?

Most damage in UAE criminal cases happens before court:

• a rushed statement,
  
• an unreviewed translation,
  
• a missed document,
  
• a message sent in anger,
  
• a misunderstanding that becomes “confession-like” language.

At Al Ramsy Advocates & Legal Consultancy, our licensed advocates handle criminal matters across the UAE, supported by 25+ years of practice experience and a track record of 1,000+ successful cases. If you need immediate support, speak with a Criminal attorney and get a clear plan for the next step.

Criminal-Law-Part-One-The-Crime

Criminal Law in UAE – Frequently Asked Questions 

What is criminal law in the UAE?

UAE criminal law is the legal framework that defines criminal offenses and penalties and sets out how cases are investigated, prosecuted, tried, and appealed. It is mainly governed by federal legislation—especially the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) and the Criminal Procedures Law—while Sharia-based principles apply in limited areas (such as serious matters linked to Qisas and Diya). The system is designed to protect public order, and penalties can range from fines to imprisonment and, in exceptional cases, the most severe punishments allowed by law.

Key aspects of UAE criminal law:

• Classification: Offenses are commonly treated as felonies, misdemeanors, and contraventions (by seriousness).
• Sources: Federal criminal legislation is primary; Sharia principles apply in specific categories.
• Scope: Defines crimes, criminal liability (intent or fault), and punishments across a wide range of conduct.
• Procedure: Explains how cases move from complaint → investigation → Public Prosecution → court → judgment → appeal.
• Types of offenses: Covers financial crimes, cybercrime, drugs, violence, and public order matters.

What is the most important part of criminal law?

There isn’t one single “most important” part of criminal law. The most critical pillar is a fair system that proves guilt properly—through due process, legality, and evidence—so society is protected without wrongful convictions.

Purpose: punishment aims at deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and protecting the public.

Presumption of innocence + burden of proof: the prosecution must prove the case.

Act + intent (or fault): most crimes require a wrongful act and a guilty state of mind.

Legality: no crime or punishment unless the law clearly defines it.

What is criminal law best described as?

Criminal law is the body of law that defines conduct treated as an offense against society and sets the penalties that may follow, with the aim of protecting public order, deterring wrongdoing, and delivering justice. It includes both substantive rules (what actions are crimes and what punishments apply) and procedural rules (how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, and decided).

Which is the best example of criminal law?

Murder is a clear example of criminal law because it is treated as an offense against society, prosecuted by the state, and punishable by severe sanctions such as long-term imprisonment (and, in the most serious cases, the highest penalties allowed by law).

Criminal law, in general, is the body of rules that identifies conduct considered criminal and sets the punishments and legal consequences for those offenses.

What’s another name for criminal justice?

People use “criminal justice system” to describe the institutions that handle criminal cases: police, Public Prosecution, courts, and detention/correction processes.

What do you mean by criminal?

In everyday language it means a person linked to crime. Legally, it’s safer to separate:

• accused/suspect (under investigation),
  
• defendant (in court),
  
• convicted (found guilty by a judgment).
  

What makes you a criminal under UAE law?

A person becomes “convicted” only after a court judgment finds guilt. Being accused or investigated does not equal conviction. If you are under investigation, protect your position early through a Criminal Advocates team.

Who defines what is a crime?

In the UAE, crimes are defined by applicable legislation (federal and, in certain areas, local regulations), interpreted and applied through the investigation and court process.