Penal Statute - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition penal-statute

Definition :

Penal statute, penal statute or penal law is a law that defines an offence and prescribes its corresponding fine, penalty or punishment, Karnataka Rare Earth v. Senior Geologist, (2004) 2 SCC 783 (791).

Those which impose penalties or punishments for an offence committed; they are construed strictly in favour of the person charged with the offence. See, however, remarks of Lord Alverstone, C.J., in Dunning v. Swetman, (1909) 1 KB 776.

The penalties or forfeitures under these statutes are generally made recoverable by the Crown, or the party aggrieved, or a common informer, as the case may be. See 4 Hen. 7, c. 20; 31 Eliz. c. 3; 18 Eliz. c. 5; 21 Jac. 1, c. 4; the (England) House of Commons (Disqualification) Acts of 1782 and 1801; and Chitty's Statutes, tit. 'Penal Actions.'

This remedy is generally designated a penal action; or, where one part of the forfeiture is given to the Crown and the other part to the informer, a popular or qui tam (q.v.) action. For an instance of a recent action for penalties, see Forbes v. Samuel, (1913) 3 KB 706.