Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of criminal law?

In criminal law, the primary aim is to address offenses that are considered crimes against society as a whole. Criminal laws are enforced by the government, which takes on the role of prosecution in these cases. The outcomes for individuals found guilty can indeed include severe penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or community service.

The aspect noted in the correct answer, which states that criminal law does not primarily seek restitution for damages, is significant. Unlike civil law, where the primary goal is to compensate the injured party, criminal law focuses on punishing the offender and deterring future crime. While restitution can occur in some criminal cases, it is not the core objective of criminal law, making it an incorrect characteristic of criminal law compared to the others listed.