: a code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebWhile the state’s penal code recognizes a fetus as a person, the Texas Transportation Code does not. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 9 July 2022 Both Griner and Fogel claimed the drugs were prescribed for severe pain, but the Russian penal code makes no distinctions for prescribed cannabis, and both now face near-maximum punishments. Laura Doan, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2022 The state’s penal code recognizes a fetus as a person, but the Texas Transportation Code does not. Chris Morris, Fortune, 11 July 2022 While the state's penal code recognizes a fetus as a person, the Texas Transportation Code does not. Timothy Bella, BostonGlobe.com, 9 July 2022 In 1973, the law was transferred from the Texas penal code to the state’s civil statutes and deemed unenforceable after Roe was decided. Jay R. Jordan, Chron, 27 June 2022 Furthermore, there is no penal code or clarity on what actions are criminal for women. Lynzy Billing, ELLE, 7 June 2022 NBC News reports penal code in Texas recognizes a fetus as a person. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 10 July 2022 Since 2006, women seeking to end a pregnancy outside of those circumstances could face up to 54 months in jail under the Colombian penal code. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 21 Feb. 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1777, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
penal code
noun
: a code of laws concerning crimes and their punishments