Which type of law exclusively deals with wrongdoings and penalties imposed by the state?

The correct answer is criminal law, as this area of law specifically addresses acts that are considered offenses against the state or public. Criminal law involves conduct that is deemed harmful to society as a whole, resulting in prosecution by the government. This legal domain encompasses various offenses ranging from minor infractions to serious crimes, and it establishes the framework for penalizing individuals found guilty of these offenses.

Criminal law is distinct from civil law, which deals with disputes between private individuals or entities and typically involves compensation or restitution rather than punitive measures imposed by the state. Family law focuses on matters such as marriage, divorce, and child custody, while international law governs the legal relationships between nations and encompasses treaties and trade agreements. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why criminal law is the correct choice when discussing state-imposed penalties for wrongdoing.