Which of the following is an example of criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime and punishment. It deals with actions that are offenses against the state or public, even if the immediate harm is done to an individual. The correct answer, murder, is a clear example of criminal law because it represents a serious offense that is prosecuted by the state due to its implications for public safety and welfare. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person and is typically punishable by imprisonment, fines, or even more severe penalties.

In contrast, the other options involve areas of civil law rather than criminal law. Divorce proceedings address the dissolution of marriage, child custody decisions pertain to the arrangements for children after parents separate, and debt collection involves recovering owed money. These matters do not constitute crimes but rather disputes between individuals or entities that the civil court system resolves.