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

One recent week, the segment covered domestic violence and criminal law relating to family members, and how police are likely to make an arrest if they respond to a case of suspected domestic violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans criticized the former House speaker for twisting a basic principle of criminal law in a case involving her political adversary.

From Washington Times

China’s Foreign Ministry said the Japanese citizen was suspected of “engaging in espionage activities in violation of the criminal law … and the Anti-Espionage Law of the People’s Republic of China.”

From Seattle Times

Earlier this month, Manila announced it had hired a London-based lawyer, who specialises in international criminal law, to help with its appeal.

From Reuters

"This Japanese citizen is suspected of engaging in espionage activities which violates criminal law and counter-espionage law," Mao said, adding that China had notified the Japanese embassy in China.

From Reuters