criminal law

American  

noun

1. the laws of a state or country dealing with criminal offenses and their punishments.

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criminal law British  

noun

1. the body of law dealing with the constitution of offences and the punishment of offenders

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Etymology

Origin of criminal law

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Opponents of the executive order claim that “jurisdiction” simply refers to the applicability of ordinary civil and criminal laws.

From The Wall Street Journal

But, regardless of the outcome of this case, it has also exposed anger about what campaigners say are glaring gaps in criminal law.

From BBC

"If we have a criminal law that's actually criminalising this behaviour, we can also say that these apps are no longer allowed because they are offering illegal services".

From BBC

Helen Long, chief executive of Dying with Dignity Canada, called the legislation a "direct attempt to circumvent the constitutional criminal law authority" and said it limits patient autonomy.

From BBC

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