What term best describes offenses against the state or society as a whole?

The term that best describes offenses against the state or society as a whole is "criminal offenses." This classification encompasses a wide range of illegal activities that are considered harmful to individuals and the community at large, leading to legal repercussions such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment. Criminal offenses are prosecuted by the government because they disrupt societal order and pose a threat to public safety and welfare.

In contrast, civil offenses typically involve disputes between individuals or organizations that do not directly affect public safety, such as contract disputes or personal injury claims. Public offenses may also refer to violations that affect the community but do not encompass the broader legal framework that defines criminal behavior. Administrative offenses pertain to violations of regulations set by governmental agencies and do not necessarily constitute crimes against society as a whole. Thus, "criminal offenses" is the most accurate term for the type of offenses described in the question.