What type of legal cases are instituted by the government seeking punishment for wrongdoing?

The correct answer is criminal cases because these are the type of legal disputes in which the government, representing society, brings charges against individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. In a criminal case, the government seeks to impose penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or community service on the defendant if found guilty. The focus of these cases is on punitive measures aimed at deterrence, rehabilitation, and protecting the public.

In contrast, civil cases involve disputes between private parties, where one party seeks compensation or a legal remedy for grievances such as breach of contract, personal injury, or property disputes. Class action cases are a specific type of civil case in which a group of individuals collectively brings a lawsuit against a defendant, typically for issues affecting all members of the group, such as consumer rights or workplace discrimination. Equity cases seek non-monetary resolutions, such as injunctions or specific performance, instead of punitive measures, further highlighting the distinction from criminal cases.