Penal codes list crimes and punishments, and vary by jurisdiction. Codes may be published in a book or document, and can change over time. Different jurisdictions may have similar codes, but with different numbers and punishments. Some codes may be questionable, such as Singapore’s Code 377.
The Penal Code is a set of laws, or codes, that list crimes and the punishments that can be meted out for them. A local jurisdiction, such as a state, may have a different criminal code than that applicable in another state. Likewise, different countries typically have different penal codes, and some have none at all. Often a jurisdiction publishes its penal code in the form of a book or other document, numbering each code. This makes it easier for law enforcement, those working in criminal justice, and even regular people to access the code when needed.
Sometimes national and regional laws differ, but often a country has the same types of laws as the regions within it. For example, a local county code may make the sale of drugs illegal, and national laws may also prohibit it. In some cases, however, the applicable penal code depends on where the crime occurs. If a person sells drugs in a particular region, he can be prosecuted under the laws of the region. If he buys drugs in the region but then travels elsewhere to sell them, national laws may apply.
Different jurisdictions may have similar codes in common, although they are usually named or numbered differently. For example, California code 187 is homicide. In Singapore, code 391 covers gang robbery. In New York, the 120.10 code covers assault in the first degree. Penal codes of other jurisdictions may cover the same crimes but give them different numbers and punishments.
Sometimes, a jurisdiction has to make changes to its penal codes. For example, a law may be declared unconstitutional or outdated, resulting in its removal. Some old laws may be maintained, but their punishments have changed. A very old code, for example, may list caning as a punishment. If caning is no longer an acceptable punishment, the legal code can be changed; new codes can also be added.
An example of a questionable penal code would be Singapore’s Code 377, which was used to make certain types of sexual acts illegal. The Georgia Penal Code also lists some interesting laws. For example, Title 39, Chapter 2, Section 17 of the Georgia Penal Code makes it illegal to sell or give away a person under the age of 12 for the purpose of rope walking, begging, or gymnastic activity. Under Georgia codes, this crime is a misdemeanor. In some places, legal codes even make it illegal to use certain words or phrases.
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