Public safety is the primary goal of criminal law. It prohibits actions that threaten society as a whole, aiming to prevent hazardous behaviors and maintain order through government prosecution and punishment.

By contrast, the goal of civil law is to resolve disputes between private individuals or entities and provide compensation for personal harm or losses.

Criminal Law: Safeguarding the Public
The Goal: Protect collective security, deter crime, and uphold social order.
Who is Involved: The government (state or federal) prosecutes the offender on behalf of the public.
The Outcome: Penalties like incarceration, probation, or fines meant to punish and rehabilitate.

Civil Law: Resolving Private Disputes
The Goal: Make a harmed party “whole” again through remedies like financial compensation or specific performance.
Who is Involved: Private parties (individuals, corporations, or organizations) sue one another.
The Outcome: Financial awards (damages) or court orders (injunctions); imprisonment is generally not a remedy.

Why do courts keep saying SORA is to protect the public, so the felony duties and restrictions it imposes on a criminal offense are civil?

The “under reported” excuse is a fear mongering tactic that unfortunately works. What I want to know is this; If a crime is not reported, then how can anyone make the claim that it’s “under reported”?