penal code

noun

Law.

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

penal code

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of penal code¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

The number “187” was also spray painted on the wall, which the plaintiff attorneys say referred to the state penal code number for murder.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the complaint, he sent photographs of graffiti that read, “Swifty Blue 187,” a reference to the California penal code section for murder.

From Los Angeles Times

That outlook goes hand in hand with the years-long push by Democrats to address the over-incarceration of Black and brown people, which has led to the Legislature rarely adding new felonies to the penal code.

From Los Angeles Times

Vietnam was the first to legally state in its penal code that “Ecocide, destroying the natural environment, whether committed in time of peace or war, constitutes a crime against humanity.”

From Salon