CRIMINAL LAW

Criminal law is that branch of municipal law which defines crimes, treats of their nature and provides for their punishment.
It is that branch of public substantive law which defines offenses and prescribes their penalties. It is substantive because it defines
the states right to inflict punishment and the liability of the offenders. It is public law because it deals with the relation of the
individual with the state.
Limitations on the power of Congress to enact penal laws
1. Must be general in application.
2. Must not partake of the nature of an ex post facto law.
3. Must not partake of the nature of a bill of attainder.
4. Must not impose cruel and unusual punishment or excessive fines.
Characteristics of Criminal Law
1. Generality
2. erritoriality
3. !rospectivity.