1. Definition
Code pénal is the French term for a criminal code. In particular, it is used to refer to the criminal code promulgated under Napoleon I in 1810, which was one of the Cinq codes (les cinq codes) together with the Code civil (1804), the Code de procédure civil (1806), the Code de commerce (1807), and the Code d'instruction criminelle (1808).
2. The Code pénal of 1791
All criminal law was codified for the first t…