Which of the following best describes criminal law?

Criminal law is primarily concerned with the rules and regulations that maintain public safety and order within a society. It defines behaviors that are considered harmful or threatening to individuals or the community as a whole, and it prescribes penalties for those who violate such laws. This area of law serves to deter criminal behavior, rehabilitate offenders, and provide a means for society to express its moral stance on various offenses.

The other options relate to different areas of law. For instance, the regulation of private disputes falls under civil law, where parties seek to resolve non-criminal legal issues; legal doctrine governing economic transactions pertains to commercial or business law; and procedures for civil litigation refer to the processes used in civil court cases. Therefore, these options do not capture the essence of criminal law, making the description related to public safety and order the most accurate representation.