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

Otherwise it contravened section 68 of Kenya's penal code and attracted up to 10 years in jail unless a court was satisfied the enlistment was not voluntary.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

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 • Nov. 30, 2025

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 • Nov. 3, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Egypt Egypt, under the protectorate of Great Britain but not a British possession technically, is without domestic legislation, except that its penal code of 1884-89 forbids piracy, and it is not included under British relations.

From Copyright: Its History and Its Law by Bowker, Richard Rogers