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Magda Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Penal vs criminal law

Hi,
Could you tell me what is the difference between "penal law" and "criminal law"? Unfortunately, I can't find it in my dectionary.
Thank you.
  

Top answer

Aren't they both the same thing?

— Tidus

  • Aren't they both the same thing?
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11 Answers
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Aren't they both the same thing?
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It is very likely, but then in my book "International Legal English" in the same chapter I have these two terms, that's why I thought they are a bit different
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I find that study, or reference books, often use differenent terms meaning the same thing. I imagine that if there is a distinction, then criminal law will relate to what constitutes a crime, and penal law relates to the punishment for a crime.

I'm really not sure. Perhaps I should leave it to our American friends to explain.
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The're synonyms, except for one case:
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penal law

Function: noun

 1 a : a law imposing a penalty (as of fine, imprisonment, loss of civil rights) on persons who do or forbear a certain act or acts b : the body of such laws :
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Thank you a lot, Tidus. I think you are right, your explanation fits the context.
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Marius, thanks agains. I am liking your dictionary more and more. I think I will subscribe to it Emotion: smile .
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Appears like penal law is more about punishment and penalty while criminal law is more about the crime, its cause and consequences, though there is no exact source to clearly define the distinction.



New York dwi lawyer
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Hello Magda,

Under English law Criminal law & Penal law are the same as both of them defines the crime means conduct which is prohibited by the State.

Regards,

Annesha

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In Canada, only the federal can make a criminal law, but both provinces and the federal can make a penal law. Only the federal can make laws on criminal issues. It would belongs to the judges to define what is a crime based on common law as it is not clearly define.

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