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

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 • Mar. 18, 2026

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 • Mar. 2, 2026

Some legal scholars have cited violations of international and United States criminal law that could come into play.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025

Under French criminal law, the seriousness of the crime cannot alone justify provisional detention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

“The true crime section is to the right. The criminal law section is behind it.”

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks