Which type of law deals with behavior prohibited by the state and is instigated by the state?

The correct answer, which is criminal law, pertains to actions that are considered offenses against the state or public, rather than just individuals. Criminal law is designed to regulate behavior that is deemed dangerous or harmful to society as a whole. When a crime is committed, it is the state that brings the case against the individual alleged to have committed the crime, initiating legal proceedings. This type of law encompasses various offenses, ranging from theft and assault to more serious crimes such as murder.

In contrast, civil law primarily addresses disputes between individuals or organizations, focusing on compensation for harm or injury rather than punishment. Property law deals with issues related to the ownership and use of property, while procedural law governs the processes involved in legal proceedings, including how cases are tried and decided in the court system. Therefore, criminal law stands distinct in its focus on societal protection and state involvement in prosecuting offenses.