What is meant by criminal liability?

Criminal liability refers to the legal responsibility that an individual bears when they commit a crime. This concept is fundamental in criminal law, as it determines whether an individual can be held legally accountable for their wrongful actions. When someone is found to have committed an offense, they can face legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

Option C is correct because it reflects the essence of criminal liability, which focuses specifically on the accountability for actions that are deemed crimes by law. Understanding criminal liability involves recognizing that individuals can be prosecuted and punished if they have engaged in behaviors that violate legal statutes.

In contrast, other options do not pertain to the concept of criminal liability. The absence of legal responsibility refers to a lack of accountability for one's actions, which is the opposite of criminal liability. Adhering to civil law pertains to obligations in non-criminal legal matters, while the framework for negotiating contracts is unrelated to criminal responsibility and focuses instead on legal agreements in civil law.