penal code

American  

noun

Law.

1. the aggregate of statutory enactments dealing with crimes and their punishment.

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penal code British  

noun

1. the codified body of the laws in any legal system that relate to crime and its punishment

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Etymology

Origin of penal code

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The government says it will focus on tax, labor and penal code reforms in the coming extraordinary session of Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal

Schmidt and the company are accused of violating the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, and a section of the state penal code that prohibits wiretapping.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico's 32 states and Mexico City, which is a federal entity, all have their own penal codes.

From Barron's

The National Security Committee approved the amendment to the penal code, which will now be passed onto the parliament for its first reading.

From Barron's

“There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says,” said Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Democrat.

From Los Angeles Times