CHANGING DIMENSIONS OF CRIMINAL LAW: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES

Abstract

Criminal law has undergone a remarkable transformation from ancient systems of punishment based on revenge, retribution, and religious authority to contemporary legal frameworks founded on constitutionalism, human rights, due process, and restorative justice. The evolution of criminal law reflects broader social, political, economic, and cultural developments within societies. This research paper examines the historical development of criminal law and compares traditional approaches with contemporary legal principles. The study analyzes major criminal law traditions, including ancient, medieval, colonial, and modern legal systems, while evaluating their impact on present-day criminal justice administration. It further explores changing concepts of crime, punishment, criminal responsibility, victim rights, and technological challenges. The findings suggest that modern criminal law increasingly emphasizes fairness, rehabilitation, human dignity, and crime prevention while maintaining the fundamental objective of social order. The study contributes to legal scholarship by providing a comprehensive understanding of the transformation of criminal law across different historical periods and jurisdictions.