Penal statute
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
Definitions from Case Law
From 8 U.S. 347 - Peisch v. Ware · 1808Most cited · 77 citing opinions
But it is unquestionably a correct legal principle, that a forfeiture can only be applied to those cases in which the means that are prescribed for the prevention of a forfeiture may be employed.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
One imposing a penalty or forfeiture for transgression of its provisions, or for doing a thing prohibited. See 44 W. Va. 36, 67 Am. St. Rep. 757, 41 L. R. A. 669, 28 S. E. 754.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910