Which of the following best describes the role of the Criminal Code of Canada?

The Criminal Code of Canada serves the fundamental purpose of defining criminal offenses and establishing the penalties for those offenses. This legal framework is essential for maintaining law and order in society by clearly outlining what behaviors are considered criminal and the associated consequences for individuals who engage in such behaviors. By delineating offenses such as theft, assault, and murder, the Criminal Code provides a standardized legal basis for the prosecution and defense of criminal activity, thereby promoting justice and the rule of law.

In contrast, the other options deal with areas of law that are not encompassed by the Criminal Code. For instance, guidelines for civil disputes are typically covered under civil law regulations rather than criminal law. Similarly, while contracts are indeed a vital aspect of legal arrangements, the specifics of contracts are governed by contract law and not covered by the Criminal Code. Lastly, commercial transactions fall under commercial law, which focuses on the rights and obligations arising from business contracts, separate from the criminal offenses defined in the Criminal Code. Thus, the key role of the Criminal Code is in the realm of criminal law, making the correct choice the description of its function as defining criminal offenses and penalties.