Australian Criminal Law refers to the body of laws that define criminal offenses and their punishments in Australia. It encompasses various statutes and common law principles that govern how crimes are prosecuted and defended in courts. The legal system is based on the principle of legality, meaning that an act cannot be considered a crime unless it is defined as such by law. In Australia, criminal law is primarily enforced at the state and territory level, with each jurisdiction having its own criminal code. Serious offenses, such as murder and robbery, are typically handled by higher courts, while less serious offenses may be dealt with in lower courts. The law aims to maintain public order and protect individuals and property.