Final answer:
Specific parts of criminal law define prohibited actions and the corresponding punishments, while general parts refer to the broad principles of the criminal justice system, including courts with general jurisdiction, as well as the categorization of crimes as either felonies or misdemeanors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguishing Specific and General Parts of Criminal Law:
The specific parts of criminal law pertain to the individual laws and regulations that define prohibited actions due to their potential to harm or endanger others, such as theft, assault, or murder. These laws also prescribe specific punishments for committing such actions. On the other hand, the general parts of criminal law refer to the broad principles that apply to the criminal justice system as a whole, encompassing how criminal cases are processed through the legal system. Courts that deal with criminal matters typically have general jurisdiction and include a judge and jury, with the jury determining guilt and the judge (or sometimes the jury) determining penalties.
Crimes under criminal law are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors based on their nature and severity. Felonies are considered more serious and carry more severe punishments. When a person is charged with a crime, it is the government—whether state or federal, depending on the violated law—that brings the case to court. Importantly, the standard of proof in criminal law is "beyond a reasonable doubt," a higher threshold than in civil law, owing to the high stakes involved, such as the potential for loss of liberty or even life.
The criminal justice system encompasses agencies and actors including the police, courts, and corrections institutions, all with roles in implementing policies related to crime. These components work together to ensure justice is served while operating within both specific and general criminal law guidelines.