CRIMINAL LAW Criminal Law, defined. Criminal law is that branch or division of law which defines crimes, treats of their nature, and provides for their punishment. (12 Cyc. 129) Crime, defined. Crime is an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it. (I Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Rawle's Third Revision, 729) Sources of Philippine Criminal Law. 1. The Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815) and its amend- ments. 2. Special Penal Laws passed by the Philippine Commission, Philippine Assembly, Philippine Legislature, National As- sembly, the Congress of the Philippines, and the Batasang Pambansa . 3. Penal Presidential Decrees issued during Martial Law. No common law crimes in the Philippines. The so-called common law crimes, known in the United States and England as the body of principles, usages and rules of action, which do not rest for their authority upon any express and positive declaration of the will of the legislature, are not recognized in this country. Unless there be a particular provision in the penal code or special penal law that defines and punishes the act, even if it be socially or morally wrong, no criminal liability is incurred by its com- mission. (See U.S. vs. Taylor, 28 Phil. 599, 604) Court decisions are not sources of criminal law, because they merely explain the meaning of, and apply, the law as enacted by the legislative branch of the government. l