criminal code

noun

Law.

1. the aggregate of statutory enactments pertaining to criminal offenses.

2. a systematic and integrated statement of the rules and principles pertaining to criminal offenses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminal code¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

They face up to five years in prison under a provision of Georgia's criminal code banning the purchasing of nuclear material.

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In a statement published Thursday, the prosecution said the court ruling had concluded that "restrictions arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" made the Finnish Criminal Code inapplicable, "even though Finland could be considered the place where the alleged crimes were committed".

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Although the reason for Belarus charging her was never explained, she was accused under two articles of the criminal code, for active participation in actions that grossly violate public order and assistance to extremist activity.

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Each weaponized the criminal code against a dissident who opposed the regime’s agenda, inflating a minor act of disobedience into a felony offense.

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A recent assault on a Canadian firefighter prompted changes to the criminal code to include firefighters and emergency medical services, and a small town in British Columbia authorized 15,000 Canadian dollars to purchase body armor for firefighters after an attack.

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