Substantive Criminal Law is the branch of criminal law that defines what constitutes a crime and what punishments apply. It tells us “what is a crime” and the legal consequences of committing it.

Procedural Criminal Law is the branch of criminal law that lays down the rules and processes for enforcing substantive criminal law. In simple words, it explains “how the law works” – from investigation to trial, judgment, and appeal.

Penology is the study of punishment, prisons, and correctional methods. It deals with how offenders should be punished and whether punishment truly reforms them.