I.

Definition

Crime is an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it.

II. Sources of Philippine Criminal Law

1. The Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815) and its amendments.
2. Special Penal Laws passed by the Philippine Commission, Philippine Assembly, Philippine
Legislature, National Assembly, the Congress of the Philippines, and the Batasang Pambansa.
3. Penal Presidential Decrees issued during Martial Law.

*No common law crimes in the Philippines.

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
commission. (See U.S. vs. Taylor, 28 Phil. 599, 604)