Introduction to Criminal Law

What is an accused?

An accused is a person formally charged in court for having violated a penal law--which can be either the Revised Penal Code or a special law, a person against whom an accusation is made.

What is a crime?

Crime s defined as an act COMMITTED or OMITTED in violation of public law forbidding or commanding it. It is a positive or a negative act in violation of a penal law, an offense against the state.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is that branch or division of public law which defines crimes, treats of their nature and provides for their punishment.

What are the sources of Philippine Criminal Law?

1. The Revised Penal Code (Act. 3815) which took effect on January 1, 1932 and its amendments 2. Special laws defining acts and providing penalties for them passed by the legislative department. 3. Presidential Decrees 4. Executive Orders