In which legal area would you categorize a wrongdoing against the state that leads to prosecution?

The scenario described involves a wrongdoing against the state, which falls under the jurisdiction of criminal law. Criminal law is designed to address actions that are considered offenses against the state or public, resulting in legal prosecution. When an individual commits a crime, such as theft, assault, or murder, it is the state that takes legal action against the individual, aiming not only to punish the offender but also to deter future crimes and maintain social order.

Contrasting with civil law, which typically addresses disputes between individuals or organizations and often seeks compensation rather than punishment, criminal law directly involves the government prosecuting individuals for actions that violate laws deemed harmful to society. This proactive role of the state in criminal law is what distinguishes it from other legal areas.

International law relates to agreements and treaties between nations and generally does not pertain to individual wrongdoing unless it involves international crimes. Family law specifically deals with issues like marriage, divorce, and child custody, where wrongdoing against individuals rather than the state is the focus. Thus, the context of prosecution of wrongdoing against the state clearly situates this question within the realm of criminal law.