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Print Criminal Code Law Nr. 5237 Passed On 26.09.2004 (Official Gazette No. 25611 dated 12.10.2004) FIRST VOLUME General Provisions FIRST CHAPTER Basic Principles, Definitions and Field Of Application FIRST SECTION Basic Principles and Definitions Object of Criminal Code ARTICLE 1- (1) The object of Criminal Code is to protect the individual rights and freedom , public order and security, state of justice, public health and environment, and communal peace, as well as to discourage commitment of offences. This Law defines the basic principles for criminal responsibility and types of crimes, punishments and security precautions to be taken in this respect. Legality rule in offences and punishments ARTICLE 2- (1) A person may neither be punished nor be imposed cautionary judgment for an act which does not explicitly constitute an offence within the definition of the Law. Furthermore, application of punishments and security precautions besides those stipulated in this Law is not allowed. (2) No criminal punishment may be imposed based on regulatory transactions of the Administration. (3) Application of provisions of the Laws relating to crimes and punishments by analogy is prohibited. The provisions relating to crimes and punishments may not be interpreted in way to lead to analogy. Equitable principle ARTICLE 3- (1) Offender may be subject to a punishment and imposition of security measures in proportion with the grossness of the illegal acts executed by him. (2) Neither discrimination can be made between the persons in respect of races, language, religion, sects, nationality, color, sex, political tendencies etc. nor a person can be subject to special and different treatment before the laws and courts. Binding nature of the Law ARTICLE 4- (1) Ignorance of the criminal laws may not be an excuse. (2) However, a person who commits an offence through an inevitable mistake due to his ignorance of the law may not be kept criminally responsible from such offence. Relation with the Special Laws ARTICLE 5-(1) The general provisions of this Law are applicable also for the offences under the cover of special criminal laws and other legislation relating to criminal punishment. Definitions ARTICLE 6- (1) In practice of criminal laws, the terms used herein, shall have the following meanings; a) Citizen ; Any person who is a Turkish citizen during the commission of an offence; b) Minor ; Any person not attained the age of eighteen c) Public Officer; Any person selected or appointed to carry out public duty for a temporary or permanent period. d) The Judicial Authorities; Members and judges of the Supreme Courts and administrative, and military courts as well as Public Prosecutor and attorneys at law; e) Night Time; period starting one hour after the sunset and ending one hour before the sunrise; f) Arms; 1) Fire guns 2) Explosives legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/6872/preview
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