Final answer:
The statement that fines are among the oldest and most commonly used forms of criminal sanctions is true; they are classified as formal negative sanctions, imposing consequences for legal norm violations. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fines are indeed one of the oldest and widely used types of criminal sanctions, which makes the statement true. These sanctions are described as formal negative sanctions, which are ways that societies officially recognize and enforce the consequences of norm violations.
Within the justice system, sanctions serve as a means of social control and can be either positive or negative. Positive sanctions reward behaviors that conform to societal norms, while negative sanctions, including fines, punishment, or imprisonment, are imposed when norms are violated. The severity of these sanctions often correlates with the significance of the value underlying the law and the degree of the crime committed.
Hence, Option a is correct.