criminal law

noun

: the law of crimes and their punishments

Examples of criminal law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web They can also be charged under the child’s access to firearms criminal law code 4-104, which has penalties of a fine up to $1,000 and a maximum of one year in prison. Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024 In a series of decisions, the court has narrowed the reach of federal criminal laws aimed at public corruption and white-collar crime. Adam Liptak, New York Times, 2 July 2024 Moreover, my experience extends beyond criminal law into civil and family law, showcasing my versatility and breadth of legal knowledge. Joseph Zager, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2024 As trials conducted by the U.S. army, moreover, the Dachau proceedings were of minor interest to international jurists committed to building on Nuremberg’s path-breaking exercise in international criminal law. Lawrence Douglas, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2017 See all Example Sentences for criminal law 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'criminal law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminal law was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near criminal law

Cite this Entry

“Criminal law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminal%20law. Accessed 12 Jul. 2024.

Legal Definition

criminal law

noun
: public law that deals with crimes and their prosecution compare civil law

Note: Substantive criminal law defines crimes, and procedural criminal law sets down criminal procedure. Substantive criminal law was originally common law for the most part. It was later codified and is now found in federal and state statutory law.

More from Merriam-Webster on criminal law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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