What is a Penal Code?

The penal code is a set of laws, or codes, that list crimes and the punishments that may be given for them. A local jurisdiction, such as a state, may have a penal code that differs from that applicable in another state. Likewise, different countries typically have different penal codes, and some don't have any at all. Often, a jurisdiction publishes its penal code in book or other document form, numbering each code. This makes it easy for law enforcement officials, those who work in criminal justice, and even regular people to access the code when necessary.