§ 12 Court Sentencing Duty

Penal Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that when someone breaks a crime rule, the judge must decide and give the punishment written in the law.

Key Takeaways

•Judges must follow the punishment written in the law for each crime.
•They can't make up their own punishment—they have to use what the law says.
•This rule has been around since 1872.

Example

If someone steals a bike, the judge looks at the law to see what the punishment is for stealing.

The judge can't just pick any punishment—they have to follow what the law says for that crime.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12 Court Sentencing Duty

PENAL CODE - PEN PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS ( Preliminary Provisions enacted 1872. ) 12. The several sections of this Code which declare certain crimes to be punishable as therein mentioned, devolve a duty upon the Court authorized to pass sentence, to determine and impose the punishment prescribed. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

crimes punishment Court sentence

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Penal Code. Section 12.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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