criminal law

noun

: the law of crimes and their punishments

Examples of criminal law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While a traditional pre-law program is an ideal option for some students, others might pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM or business before attending a law program tailored to their particular sub-field (contract law, constitutional law, criminal law and more). —Christopher Rim, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Lexington Law’s credentials Lexington Law is a law firm focused primarily on professional credit repair services, but also practices in other areas like family law, criminal law and general consumer litigation. —Victor Rosario, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

Described as a thriller following two women at a high-profile criminal law firm, sources say the package is expected to hit the market in coming weeks. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025

Companies that export tech products to China may no longer have State or Commerce Department employees available to explain, for free, how to avoid violating criminal law. —Simon Shuster, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for criminal law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

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.