Meaning
刑法 refers to the body of law that defines criminal offenses and prescribes punishments. It is one of the fundamental branches of law in any legal system, dealing with crimes against society and the state rather than civil disputes between individuals.
Usage
This is a formal, legal term used primarily in legal contexts, academic discussions, and news reporting about crime and punishment. It appears in phrases like 刑法规定 (as stipulated by criminal law) and 违反刑法 (to violate criminal law). In everyday conversation, people might simply say 犯法 (break the law) rather than specifically referencing criminal law.
Examples
- 01根据刑法规定，盗窃罪可判处三年以下有期徒刑。, .According to the provisions of criminal law, the crime of theft can be punished with up to three years of fixed-term imprisonment.
- 02他在大学学习刑法，毕业后成为了一名检察官。, .He studied criminal law at university and became a prosecutor after graduation.
Characters
Measure words
- 部一部刑法
Common collocations
- 刑法规定as stipulated by criminal law
- 违反刑法to violate criminal law
- 刑法修正案amendment to the criminal law
- 根据刑法according to criminal law
Origin
刑 originally depicted a knife or cutting instrument, symbolizing punishment or penalty. Combined with 法 (law), the compound literally means 'punishment law' or 'law of penalties,' which evolved to specifically refer to criminal law as distinct from civil law.