Legal Definitions - CODE PÉNAL

Definition: Code Pénal is a French term that refers to the penal code of France. It was enacted in 1810 and is the fourth of five codes promoted by Napoleon. The Code Pénal sets forth the laws and regulations related to criminal offenses in France.

Example: The Code Pénal is part of the Napoleonic Code, which includes the Code civil, the Code de procédure civil, the Code de commerce, and the Code d'instruction crimenelle. These codes were commissioned by Napoleon in the 19th century to codify French law.

Explanation: The Code Pénal is a set of laws that defines criminal offenses and their corresponding punishments in France. It is part of a larger legal system known as the Napoleonic Code, which was created to simplify and modernize French law. The Code Pénal is an important tool for law enforcement officials and judges in France, as it provides a clear framework for prosecuting criminal offenses.