criminal law

noun

: the law of crimes and their punishments

Examples of criminal law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, the crypto sector faces a stark choice: suspend operations, relocate abroad, or operate in potential violation of criminal law until clearer guidance emerges. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 In contrast, the more than 600,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank are governed by civil and criminal law and tried in Israeli civil courts. Lynzy Billing, The Dial, 6 May 2025 Dora, a criminal law attorney, and Dió, a tech designer, swiped right on Hinge and met in person in February 2021. Kiara Byrd, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025 His areas of practice include civil litigation, criminal law, domestic relations and family law. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for criminal law

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Criminal law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminal%20law. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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

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