criminal law
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of criminal law
First recorded in 1580–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yet the Nuremberg Tribunal is now generally seen as a remarkably fair execution of justice given the unprecedented circumstances, and a foundation for international criminal law.
From Salon • May 18, 2026
In criminal law, "the burden of proof is higher," noted Brandon Garrett, a law professor at Duke University -- with prosecutors required to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
In 2024, the Utah Supreme Court blocked enforcement of the criminal law.
From Slate • May 4, 2026
The American Civil Liberties Union defended Hemani and said the government’s view threatens to broadly extend the reach of the criminal law.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026
Figuring out Alabama civil and criminal law while managing death penalty cases in several other states kept me very busy.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
