penal code

noun

: a code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment

Examples of penal code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Nicolaysen and other attorneys had argued at trial the stalking charge was impossible to prove since the federal penal code requires a defendant to engage in a pattern of behavior to be guilty of the crime. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026 The Center to Protect Journalists noted that criminal defamation under Haiti’s penal code has rarely been used. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026 McFarlane argued Monday that Walters’ allegations met that penal code definition. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026 The charges filed against Gonzales are a state jail felony, the lowest-level felony under the Texas penal code. San Antonio Express-News, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penal code

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penal code was circa 1777

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Cite this Entry

“Penal code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penal%20code. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

penal code

noun
: a code of laws concerning crimes and their punishments
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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