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Criminal Law

What is Criminal law?
     It is the branch or division of law which defines crimes, treats their nature and provides for  their punishment.

(Note: The mnemonics of the definition are DTP. Defines, Treats and Provides.)

Distinguish Mala in se from Mala prohibita.
     Mala in se is a crime or an act that is inherently immoral, (ex: Murder; Arson; or Rape) while Mala prohibita is an act that is a crime merely because it is prohibited by statute, although the act itself is not necessarily immoral.

What is a Crime?
     It is a generic term that embraces any violation of the revised penal code, special penal law, and municipal or city ordinance.

What is a Felony?
     It is an act or omission violative of the revised the revised penal code committed either intentionally (DOLO) or negligently (CULPA).

What is an Offense?
     It is an act or omission violative of a special law.

What is a misdemeanor?
     It is a minor infraction of law. ( violative of city or municipal ordinance )
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