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LebaneseCriminalCode

SelectedArticles

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[Articles1to128]

BookI
GeneralProvisions

ChapterI
Criminallaw

SectionITemporalscopeofapplicationofcriminallaw

Subsection1Legalityofoffences

Article1Nopenaltymaybeimposedandnopreventiveorcorrectivemeasuremaybetakenin
respectofanoffencethatwasnotdefinedbystatuteatthetimeofitscommission.

Anaccusedpersonshallnotbechargedwithactsconstitutinganoffenceorwithactsperformed
asaprincipaloraccomplicebeforetheoffenceinquestionhasbeendefinedbystatute.

Article2Anoffenceshallnotentailapenaltyorgiverisetoapreventiveorcorrectivemeasure
ifitisabolishedbyanewstatute,andanycriminalsentencesimposedshallceasetohaveeffect.

However, an offence committed in breach of a temporary statute during its period of


applicabilityshallnotceasetobeprosecutedandpunishedonexpiryoftheperiodinquestion.

Article3Article3wasamendedbyArticle1oftheActof5February1948asfollows:

Anystatutethatamendsthedefinitionofanoffenceinamannerthatbenefitstheaccusedshall
be applicable to the acts committed prior to its entry into force unless a final judgement has been
rendered.

Article 4 Any statute that amends the right to prosecute shall be applicable to offences
committedpreviouslyifitismorefavourabletotheaccused.

Ifthenewstatuteimposesatimelimitontherighttoprosecute,thetimelimitshallnotbeginto
rununtilthedateonwhichthestatuteentersintoforce.Ifthestatuteamendsanexistingtimelimit,the
timelimitshallruninaccordancewiththepreviousstatute.However,itsdurationmaynotexceedthe
timelimitimposedbythenewstatute,calculatedwitheffectfromthedateofitsentryintoforce.

Article5Ifastatuteamendsthelimitationperiodapplicabletoanoffence,theperiodshallrun
in accordance with the previous statute, although its duration may not exceed the limitation period
prescribedbythenewstatute,calculatedwitheffectfromthedateofitsentryintoforce.

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Subsection2Legalityofpenalties

Article 6 No penalty may be imposed that was not prescribed by statute at the time of
commissionoftheoffence.

An offence is deemed to have been committed when the acts constituting the offence were
carriedout,irrespectiveofthetimeatwhichtheresultoftheoffenceoccurred.

Article 7 Any new statute, even one containing stricter provisions, shall be applicable to
continuing,serial,recurrentorhabitualoffencesthatcontinuetobecommittedafteritsentryintoforce.

Article8Article8wasamendedbyArticle2oftheActof5February1948asfollows:

Anynewstatutethatabolishesapenaltyorprescribesamorelenientpenaltyshallbeapplicable
tooffencescommittedpriortoitsentryintoforceunlessafinaljudgementhasbeenrendered.

Article9Anynewstatutethatprescribesharsherpenaltiesshallnotbeapplicabletooffences
committed before its entry into force. However, if the new statute amends the regime governing
pluralityofoffencesorrecidivism,accountshallbetaken,whenprosecutinganactundertakenafterits
entryintoforce,ofoffencescommittedandsentencesimposedpriortothatdate.

Article 10 Anynewstatutethatamendstheenforcementofapenaltybychangingitsnature
shallnotbeapplicabletoactscommittedbeforeitsentryintoforceunlessitismorefavourabletothe
accusedorconvictedperson.

The nature of a penalty is deemed to have been changed if the new statute amends the legal
provisionsapplicabletheretounderthesectionofthisCodeconcerningpenalties.

Article11Article11wasamendedbyArticle51,paragraph1,ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983asfollows:

Any new statute that amends the limitation period applicable to a penalty shall be applied in
accordancewiththetermsofArticle5.

Subsection3Legalityofpreventiveandcorrectivemeasures

Article 12 No preventive or corrective measure may be ordered save in accordance with the
conditionsandinthecasesprovidedforbylaw.

Article13Anynewstatuteprovidingforapreventiveorcorrectivemeasureshallbeapplicable
tooffencesconcerningwhichnojudgementhasbeenrenderedbythelastcourthavingjurisdictionwith
respecttothefacts.

Sentencesimposedpriortotheentryintoforceofthenewstatuteshallbetakenintoaccount,
whenanactcommittedunderthatstatuteisprosecuted,intheapplicationofprovisionspertainingto
habitualcriminalconduct.

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Article14Anypreventiveorcorrectivemeasurethatisabolishedbylaworreplacedbyanother
measureshallceasetohaveeffect.

If a final judgement has been rendered, the proceedings shall be reviewed with a view to
applyingthenewpreventiveorcorrectivemeasure.

SectionIITerritorialscopeofapplicationofcriminallaw

Subsection1Territorialjurisdiction

Article15LebaneselawisapplicabletoalloffencescommittedinLebaneseterritory.

AnoffenceshallbedeemedtohavebeencommittedinLebaneseterritory:
1. Ifoneoftheconstituentelementsoftheoffence,anactformingpartofanindivisible
offenceoranactinvolvingaprincipaloranaccompliceisperpetratedinLebaneseterritory;
2. IftheresultoccursorwasexpectedtooccurinLebaneseterritory.

Article16Lebaneseterritoryincludestheatmosphericlayercoveringitssurface,inotherwords
theaerialterritory.

Article17ThefollowingareassimilatedtoLebaneseterritoryforthepurposeoftheapplication
ofcriminallaw:

1. The territorial sea extending to a distance of twenty kilometres from the shore, measured
fromthelowwatermark;

2. Theaerialspaceabovetheterritorialsea;

3. Lebaneseshipsandaircraft;

4. ForeignterritoryoccupiedbyaLebanesearmyiftheoffencescommittedadverselyaffectthe
armyssecurityorinterests.

ThefollowingparagraphwasaddedtoArticle17pursuanttoArticle1,paragraph1,ofActNo.
513of6June1996:

5. Theborderarea,theexclusiveeconomiczone,theLebanesecontinentalshelfandplatforms
attached to the continental shelf, in conformity with the provisions of the United Nations
ConventionontheLawoftheSea,signedon10December1982atMontegoBay(Jamaica),
towhichtheGovernmentwasauthorizedtoaccedebyActNo.29of22February1994.

Article18Lebaneselawshallnotbeapplicableto:

1. OffencescommittedonboardaforeignaircraftinLebaneseaerialspaceiftheoffencedoesnot
extend beyond the interior of the aircraft. However, Lebanese law shall be applicable to
offencesthatdonotextendbeyondtheinterioroftheaircraftiftheperpetratororthevictim
isaLebanesenational,oriftheaircraftlandsinLebanonafterthecommissionoftheoffence;

2. OffencescommittedonboardaforeignshiporaircraftintheLebaneseterritorialseaorthe
aerialspaceabovetheterritorialseaiftheoffencedoesnotextendbeyondtheinteriorof
theshiporaircraft;

3. RepealedbyArticle168oftheCodeofMilitaryJusticepromulgatedon12January1946.

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The following text was added to Article 18 by Article 2 of Legislative Decree No. 112 of 16
September1983:

Lebaneselawisapplicabletooffencesinvolvingtheseizureofforeignshipsortheircargoifthe
shipsinquestionenterLebaneseterritorialwaters.

Lebaneselawisapplicabletoanyoffencethatiscommittedwithinoronboardtheshipunder
such circumstances, subject to the provisions of international treaties ratified by the Lebanese
authorities.

Lebaneselawisalsoapplicabletotheoffenceofseizureofshipscargoesoutsidetheterritorial
watersifthecargoesareconveyedintoLebaneseterritoryforlocalconsumptionorfortransitpurposes.

Subsection2Jurisdictionrationemateriae

Article19Article19wasrepealedbyArticle1,paragraph2,ofActNo.513of6June1996and
replacedbythefollowingtext:

Lebanese law is applicable to any Lebanese national, foreigner or stateless person who, acting
outsideLebaneseterritoryoronboardaforeignaircraftorshipasaprincipal,accomplice,instigatoror
accessory,commits:

1. Offencesagainststatesecurityoroffencesinvolvingthecounterfeitingofthestateseal,the
counterfeitingorforgeryofLebaneseorforeignbanknotesorsecuritiescirculatingbylawor
bycustominLebanon,ortheforgeryofpassports,entryvisas,identitycardsorextractsfrom
the Lebanese civil status register. However, these provisions shall not be applicable to a
foreignerwhoseactdoesnotconstituteabreachofinternationallegalrules;

2. Any of the offences against the security of aerial navigation or shipping defined in Articles
641,642and643,asamended,oftheCriminalCode;

3. Offencesagainstthesecurityofplatformsattachedtothecontinentalshelfofacontracting
partytotheRomeProtocolof10March1988;

4. OffencesaimedatcompellingLebanontoperformanactortorefrainfromperformingit,ifa
Lebanesenationalistherebythreatened,detained,injuredorkilled.

Subsection3Jurisdictionrationepersonae

Article 20 Lebanese law is applicable to any Lebanese national who, acting outside Lebanese
territoryasaprincipal,instigatororaccomplice,commitsafelonyormisdemeanourthatispunishable
underLebaneselaw.

ThisshallbethecaseeveniftheaccusedlosesoracquiresLebanesenationalityaftercommitting
thefelonyormisdemeanour.

Article21LebaneselawshallnotbeapplicableoutsideLebaneseterritory:

1. TooffencescommittedbyLebaneseofficialsduringorinconnectionwiththeperformanceof
theirduties;

2. To offences committed by Lebanese diplomatic officials or consuls if they enjoy immunity


underpublicinternationallaw.

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Article22LebaneselawshallnotbeapplicableinLebaneseterritorytooffencescommittedby
foreigndiplomaticofficialsandconsulsiftheyenjoyimmunityunderpublicinternationallaw.

Subsection4Universaljurisdiction

Article23Article23wasrepealedbyArticle1,paragraph3,ofActNo.513of6June1996and
replacedbythefollowingtext:

Lebaneselawisalsoapplicabletoanyforeignerorstatelesspersonwhoisresidentorpresentin
Lebanonandwho,actingabroadasaprincipal,accomplice,instigatororaccessory,committedafelony
ormisdemeanourotherthanthosecitedinArticles19,20and21,ifhisorherextraditionhasnotbeen
requestedorgranted.

This is also the case if the felony or misdemeanour was committed by a person against or on
board a foreign aircraft chartered without a crew to a charterer whose headquarters or permanent
residenceisinLebanon,iftheextraditionoftheperpetratorhasnotbeenrequestedorgranted.

Subsection5Applicabilityofforeignlaw

Article24LebaneselawshallnotbeapplicabletothemisdemeanoursreferredtoinArticle20if
theyarepunishablewithatermofimprisonmentoflessthanthreeyears,norshallitbeapplicableto
any of the offences referred to in Article 23 if they are not punishable under the law of the state in
whoseterritorytheywerecommitted.

Article25IfthereisadifferencebetweenLebaneselawandthelawinforceintheplacewhere
the offence was committed, the judge may take this difference into account for the benefit of the
accusedwhenapplyingLebaneselawassetforthinArticles20and23.

Preventive or corrective measures and provisions governing incapacity and deprivation of civic
rights under Lebanese law shall be applicable regardless of the law in force in the place where the
offencewascommitted.

Article 26 In the case of offences committed either in Lebanon or abroad, the personal legal
situationoftheaccusedshallbetakenintoaccountforthepurposesofprosecution:

1. Where one of the elements of the offence is subject to the legal provisions governing
personalstatusorcapacity;

2. Whereanaggravatinggroundoragroundofexcuseotherthanminorityundercriminallaw
ensuesfromtheprovisionsgoverningpersonalstatusorcapacity.

Subsection6Effectofforeignjudgements

Article27Article27wasrepealedbyArticle1ofActNo.487of8December1995andreplaced
bythefollowingtext:

WiththeexceptionofthefeloniesreferredtoinArticle19andoffencescommittedinLebanese
territory,aLebanesenationaloraforeignershallnotbeprosecutedinLebanoninanyofthefollowing
cases:

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1. Ifhewasprosecutedfortheoffenceoffraudulentbankruptcyornegligentbankruptcyorfor
anoffencerelatedtothesetwooffencesortoeitheroneofthem,owingtothebankruptcy
orinsolvencyofacompanyorbusiness,iftheheadquartersofthecompanyorbusinesswas
located outside Lebanese territory and the prosecution was conducted in the country in
whichtheheadquarterswaslocated;
2. Inthecaseofallotheroffences,ifafinaljudgementwasrenderedabroadand,intheevent
ofaconviction,ifthesentencewasenforcedortheenforcementlapsedduetoastatuteof
limitationsoranamnesty.

Article28 JudgementsrenderedabroadshallnotprecludetheprosecutioninLebanonofany
offencereferredtoinArticle19orcommittedinLebaneseterritory,unlesstheforeigncourtjudgement
wasrenderedfollowinganofficialnotificationbytheLebaneseauthorities.

However,thepenaltyimposedandtheperiodspentinpretrialdetentionabroadshallbetaken
intoaccount,totheextentdeterminedbythecourt,inthesentenceimposed.

Article29Article29wasamendedbyArticle51,paragraph3,ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983asfollows:

Judgements rendered by foreign criminal courts in respect of acts characterized as felonies or


misdemeanoursbyLebaneselawmaybeinvoked:

1. With a view to the enforcement of preventive measures and measures of incapacity and
deprivationofcivicrights,providedthattheyareinconformitywithLebaneselaw,andthe
enforcementofawardsofrestitution,damagesandothercivilawards;

2. With a view to rendering judgements pursuant to Lebanese law in respect of preventive


measuresandmeasuresofincapacityanddeprivationofcivicrights,andconcerningawards
ofrestitution,damagesandothercivilawards;

3. With a view to applying the provisions of Lebanese law concerning recidivism, habitual
criminalconduct,pluralityofoffences,stayofexecutionandrehabilitation.

TheLebanesejudgemayassessthevalidityoftheforeignsentenceinproceduralandsubstantive
termsinthelightofthedocumentsinthecasefile.

Subsection7Extradition

Article30Nobodymaybeextraditedtoaforeignstateincasesotherthanthoseprovidedforin
thisCode,exceptpursuanttoalegallybindingtreaty.

Article31Thefollowingmaygiverisetoextradition:

1. Offencescommittedintheterritoryoftherequestingstate;

2. Offencesthatadverselyaffectitssecurityorfinancialstatus;

3. Offencescommittedbyoneofitsnationals.

Article32Offencesfallingwithintheterritorialjurisdictionorthejurisdictionrationaemateriae
orrationepersonaeofLebaneselaw,asstipulatedinArticles15to17,Article18.1infineandArticles19
to21,maynotgiverisetoextradition.

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Article33Article33wasamendedbyArticle51,paragraph4,ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983asfollows:

Extraditionshallnotbegranted:

1. If the offence is not punishable as a felony or misdemeanour under Lebanese law; this
exceptionshallnotbeapplicable,however,ifthecircumstancesoftheactconstitutingthe
offencecannotoccurinLebanonowingtoitsgeographicalsituation;

2. If the penalty applicable under the law of the requesting state or the law of the state in
whoseterritorytheactswerecommittedisatermofimprisonmentoflessthanoneyearfor
alltheoffencescoveredbytherequest;

Intheeventofaconviction,ifthesentenceimposedislessthantwomonthsimprisonment;

3. IfafinaljudgementconcerningtheoffencehasbeenrenderedinLebanon,orifthepublic
prosecutionorthesentencehaslapsedpursuanttoLebaneselaw,thelawoftherequesting
state,orthelawofthestateinwhoseterritorytheoffencewascommitted.

Article34Extraditionshallnotbegrantedeither:

1. Ifitisrequestedinconnectionwithapoliticaloffenceorifitseemstoserveapoliticalaim;

2. Iftheaccusedwasenslavedintheterritoryoftherequestingstate;

3. Ifthepenaltyapplicableunderthelawoftherequestingstateiscontrarytotheestablished
socialorder.

Article35Article35wasamendedbyArticle4ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of16September
1983asfollows:

TherequestforextraditionshallbereferredtothePublicProsecutorattheCourtofCassation,
whoshallcheckwhetherthelegalconditionshavebeenfulfilledandassesswhetherthechargehasbeen
adequately established. He may also issue an arrest warrant for the person whose extradition is
requestedafterquestioninghim.HeshallthenreferthefiletogetherwithhisreporttotheMinisterof
Justice.

The decision to grant or reject the request for extradition shall be taken pursuant to a decree
adoptedonthebasisofaproposalbytheMinisterofJustice.

Article36Article36wasamendedbyArticle51,paragraph5,ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983asfollows:

Anaccusedwhoistobeextraditedcannotbeprosecutedadversarially,subjectedtoapenaltyor
extradited to a third state for any offence committed prior to the extradition other than the offence
givingrisethereto,unlesstheGovernmentoftherequestingstategivesitsconsentinaccordancewith
theprovisionsofthepreviousarticle.

Theconsentgiveninsuchcasesshallnotbegovernedbythetermsofparagraph2ofArticle33.

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ChapterII
Criminalconvictions

SectionI
Penalties

Subsection1Penaltiesingeneral

Article37Thecustomarypenaltiesforfeloniesare:
1. Death;
2. Hardlabourforlife;
3. Lifeimprisonment;
4. Fixedtermhardlabour;
5. Fixedtermextendedimprisonment.

Article38Thepenaltiesforpoliticalfeloniesare:
1. Lifeimprisonment;
2. Fixedtermextendedimprisonment;
3. Banishment;
4. Compulsoryresidence;
5. Lossofcivilrights.

Article39Thecustomarypenaltiesformisdemeanoursare:
1. Imprisonmentwithlabour;
2. Ordinaryimprisonment;
3. Afine.

Article40Thepenaltiesforpoliticalmisdemeanoursare:
1. Ordinaryimprisonment;
2. Compulsoryresidence;
3. Afine.

Article41Article41wasamendedbyArticle3oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Thepenaltiesforcontraventionsare:
1. Imprisonment;
2. Afine.

Article42Accessoryoradditionalpenaltiesare:
1. Lossofcivilrights;
2. Imprisonmentcombinedwithlossofcivilrightsimposedastheprimarypenalty;
3. Acriminalfine;
4. Deprivationofcivilrights;
5. Publicationofthejudgement;
6. Postingofthejudgement;
7. Confiscationofpersonalproperty.
Subsection2Penaltiesforfelonies

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Article43Article43wasamendedbyArticle4oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

AdeathpenaltyshallbeenforcedonlyafterconsultationofthePardonCommissionandwiththe
consent of the President of the Republic. Persons sentenced to death shall be hanged within prison
premisesorinanyotherlocationdesignatedinthedecreeorderingenforcementofthepenalty.

A death penalty shall not be carried out on Sundays or Fridays, or on national or religious
holidays.

Enforcementofthedeathsentenceagainstapregnantwomanshallbedeferreduntilaftershe
hasgivenbirth.

Article 44 Where the law makes no special provision, sentences of fixedterm hard labour,
fixedterm extended imprisonment, banishment, compulsory residence and loss of civil rights shall be
imposedforaminimumof3yearsandamaximumof15years.

Article 45 Persons sentenced to hard labour shall be compelled to perform arduous work
consistentwiththeirgenderandage,eitherwithintheprisonoroutside.

Article46Personssentencedtoextendedimprisonmentshallperformworkorganizedbythe
prisonadministrationonthebasisofthechoicetheymadeoncommencementoftheirsentence.

Theymay notbeemployedoutside theprisonexceptwith theirconsentand theyshallnotbe


compelledtowearprisonuniform.

Article47Article47wasamendedbyparagraph6ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983,asfollows:

Banishmentistheremovaloftheconvictedpersonfromthecountry.

Iftheexpelledpersondoesnotleavethecountrywithin15days,orifhereturnsbeforetheterm
ofhispenaltyexpires,apenaltyofimprisonmentshallbesubstitutedforthepenaltyofbanishmentfora
period equivalent, at the minimum, to the remaining term of the sentence or, at the maximum, to
doublethattermprovidedthattheresultingtermdoesnotexceedthemaximumimposablefixedterm
prisonsentence.

Iftheexpelledpersonisunabletoleavethecountryorisforcedtoreturnowingtotherefusalby
allstatesto permithimtoresidein theirterritory,the penaltyofbanishmentshall bereplacedwith a
penaltyofimprisonmentorcompulsoryresidenceforaperiodnotexceedingtheremainingtermofthe
sentence.

Article 48 Compulsory residence involves the placement of the convicted person in a


designatedlocationchosenbytheJudgefromalistestablishedbydecree.Undernocircumstancesmay
the designated location be in a place where the convicted person had a domicile or residence, in the
placewheretheoffencewascommittedorintheplaceofresidenceofthevictim,hisbloodrelativesor
hisrelativesbymarriageuptothefourthdegree.

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Iftheconvictedpersonleaveshisdesignatedlocationforanyperiod,thepenaltyofcompulsory
residence shall be replaced with a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding the remaining
termofthesentence.

Article49Article49wasamendedbyparagraph7ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983,asfollows:

Lossofcivilrightsentailsipsojure:
1. Dismissalandremovalfromallpublicfunctionsandservicesandtheforfeitureofanystate
emolument;
2. Dismissalandremovalfromallfunctionsandservicesintheadministrationofthereligious
denominationorlabouruniontowhichtheconvictedpersonbelongsandtheforfeitureof
anyemolumentorsalaryfromthereligiousdenominationortradeunion;
3. Forfeitureoftherighttoholdastateconcessionorfranchise;
4. Forfeitureoftherighttovoteortobeelectedandofallcivil,political,confessionalandtrade
unionrights;
5. Disqualificationfromowning,publishingoreditinganewspaperoranyotherperiodical;
6. Forfeitureoftherighttorunaschoolortodischargeanyfunctioninpublicandprivate
education;
7. ForfeitureoftherighttobearLebaneseandforeigninsigniaandtitlesofhonour.

Article50Article50wasamendedbyparagraph8ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983,asfollows:

Any person who is sentenced to hard labour or extended imprisonment shall be legally
incompetentwhileservinghissentence,andtheexerciseofrightsoverhisproperty,withtheexception
of strictly personal rights, shall be transferred to a trustee in accordance with the provisions of the
PersonalStatusCoderelatingtotheappointmentoftrusteesforpersonswhoarelegallyincompetent.
Anyadministrativeactordispositioneffectedbytheconvictedpersonshallbeconsiderednullandvoid,
withoutprejudicetotherightsofbonafidethirdparties.Nopartofaconvictedpersonsincomemaybe
remittedtohim,exceptforsumspermittedbylaworbyprisonregulations.

The property of the convicted person shall be returned to him on his release and the trustee
shallpresenthimwithastatementofaccountregardinghisadministration.

Subsection3Penaltiesformisdemeanours

Article 51 The term of imprisonment shall range from 10 days to 3 years, unless otherwise
providedbylaw.

Persons sentenced to imprisonment with labour shall be subject to the regime provided for in
Article46concerningpersonssentencedtoextendedimprisonment.

Personssentencedtoordinaryimprisonmentshallnotberequiredtowork.Theymay,however,
on request, opt for employment in one of the activities organized by the prison. If they choose such
employment,theyshallberequiredtopursueituntiltheyhaveservedtheirsentence.

Article 52 The period of compulsory residence for misdemeanours shall range from three
monthstothreeyears.Itshallbeservedunderthesametermsascompulsoryresidenceforfelonies.If
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the convicted person leaves his designated location for any period, the compulsory residence shall be
replacedwithordinaryimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtheremainingtermofthesentence.

Article53Article53wasamendedbytheActof10December1960andthefinewasamended
byArticle2ofActNo.239of27May1993,asfollows:

The fine for misdemeanours shall range from 50,000 to 2 million Lebanese pounds, unless
otherwiseprovidedbylaw.

Onthebasisofaspecialprovisionintheruling,thefinemaybepaidininstalmentsthatareat
leastequaltotheminimumpenalty,providedthatthedeadlineforthefinalinstalmentisnotlaterthan
oneyearfromthedayonwhichthedecisionbecamefinal.

Ifaninstalmentisnotpaidontime,thefineshallbepayableinitsentirety.

Article54Article54wasamendedbytheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Afineshallbereplacedwithordinaryimprisonment,withoutpriornotice,ifitisnotpaidwithin
30daysofthedateonwhichthejudgementbecomesfinal,inaccordancewiththerulesinforce.

Thefinestipulatedinparagraph2ofArticle54wasamendedbyArticle3ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

The period of substitute imprisonment shall be specified in the sentence, or otherwise in a


specialdecision,itbeingunderstoodthatonedayofsuchapenaltyshallbeequivalenttoafineranging
from2,000to10,000Lebanesepounds.

The substitute imprisonment may not exceed one year or the maximum primary custodial
penaltycarriedbytheoffence.

If the convicted person is known to have a garnishable income, recourse may be had to
mandatoryenforcementpriortoimprisonment.

Any partial payment made before or during imprisonment and any sum paid in full shall be
deductedfromtheamountofthispenaltyinaccordancewiththeproportionfixedbythejudgement,as
setforthinthesecondparagraphofthisarticle.

Article55Article55wasamendedbyparagraph9ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983,asfollows:

A custodial sentence shall not be enforced against a pregnant woman who is not in detention
untilsixweeksaftershehasgivenbirth.

Acouplewhoaresentencedtoimprisonmentforaperiodoflessthanoneyearandwhoarenot
indetentionshallservethesentenceconsecutivelyiftheyhaveachildunder18yearsofageintheircare
andiftheyestablishthattheyhaveafixedplaceofresidence.

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Subsection4Commonprovisionsconcerningcustodialpenalties
infelonyandmisdemeanourcases

Article56Thefollowingshallbeimprisonedinseparatelocations:
1. Personssentencedtohardlabourforlifeandtofixedtermhardlabour;
2. Personssentencedtolifeimprisonmentandtofixedtermextendedimprisonment;
3. Personssentencedtoimprisonmentwithlabour;
4. Personssentencedtoordinaryimprisonment.

Article57Article57wasamendedbyArticle6oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Allproceedsfromthelabourofaconvictedpersonshallbedivided,underthesupervisionofthe
Public Prosecutor responsible for the enforcement of sentences, among the convicted person, his
dependants,thecivilparty,andtheStateforthepaymentoffines,courtfeesandprisonadministration
costs, in proportions determined in accordance with the nature of the judgement, provided that the
proportionallottedtothefamilyoftheconvictedpersonandtothecivilpartyisnotlessthanonethird
ofthevalueofthemonthlyproceeds.

Whenthecivilpartyhasreceivedthefullsumofcompensationawarded,theportionsallottedto
theconvictedpersonandhisdependantsshallsteadilyincreaseinproportiontohisgoodbehaviour.

Article 58 Any person sentenced to a custodial penalty of at least three months shall be
entitled to improved prison treatment for good behaviour. The improved treatment shall cover food,
typeoflabour,numberofworkinghours,thesilencerule,recreation,visitsandcorrespondence.

AlloftheforegoingshallbeinconformitywiththeprovisionsofthePenaltyEnforcementAct.

Article59Ifaconvictedpersonabsconds,anyfinalfixedtermpenaltyimposedforafelonyor
misdemeanourshallbeincreasedbyonethirdtoonehalf,exceptwhereotherwiseprovidedbylaw.

Subsection5Penaltiesforcontraventions

Article60Article60wasamendedbyArticle7oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Thetermofimprisonmentforacontraventionshallrangefrom1to10days.

Theconvictedpersonsshallservetheterminlocationsotherthanthosereservedforpersons
servingsentencesforfeloniesormisdemeanours.Personssentencedtocustodialtermsshallnotbe
requiredtowork.

Article61Article61wasamendedbyArticle8oftheActof5February1948andtheActof10
December1960,andthefinewasamendedbyArticle4ofActNo.239of27May1993,asfollows:

Afineforacontraventionshallrangefrom6,000to50,000Lebanesepounds.

Article62Article62wasamendedbyArticle9oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

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Afineshallbereplacedwithordinaryimprisonment,withoutpriornotice,ifitisnotpaidwithina
periodof30daysfromthedateonwhichthejudgementbecomesfinal.

Thefinestipulatedinparagraph2ofArticle62wasamendedbyArticle5ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

The period of substitute imprisonment shall be specified in the sentence, or otherwise in a


specialdecision,itbeingunderstoodthatonedayofsuchapenaltyshallbeequivalenttoafineranging
from1,000to4,000Lebanesepounds.

The substitute imprisonment may not exceed 10 days, or the maximum primary custodial
penaltycarriedbytheoffence.

Anypartialpaymentmadebeforeorduringcustodyshallbedeductedfromtheamountofthis
penaltyinaccordancewiththeproportionfixedbythejudgement,assetforthinthesecondparagraph
ofthisArticle.

Subsection6Accessoryandadditionalpenalties

Article63Asentenceofhardlabourforlifeorlifeimprisonmentshallentailthelifelonglossof
civilrights.

A sentence of fixedterm hard labour, fixedterm extended imprisonment, banishment or


compulsoryresidenceforfeloniesshallentailthelossofcivilrightsfromthedayonwhichthejudgement
becomesfinaluntiltheendofthetenthyearofenforcementoftheprimarypenalty.

Thefollowingtextwasaddedtoparagraph2ofArticle63byArticle5ofLegislativeDecreeNo.
112of16September1983:

Exceptinthecaseofanescapedconvict,lossofcivilrightsshallapply,evenwhereajudgement
delivered in absentia is not final, from the date of its delivery until the date on which it is set aside
pursuanttotheprovisionsofArticle346oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure.

Article64ThefinestipulatedinArticle64wasamendedbyArticle6ofActNo.239of27May
1993,asfollows:

Acriminalfineshallrangefrom100,000to6millionLebanesepoundsandshallbesubjecttothe
provisionsofArticles53and54pertainingtofinesformisdemeanours.

Whereafineremainsunpaid,itshallbereplacedeitherwiththepenaltyofhardlabourorwith
that of extended imprisonment, depending on whether the primary penalty incurred by the convicted
personwasthatofhardlabouroranotherpenaltyforafelony.

Article65Anypersonsentencedtoimprisonmentorcompulsoryresidenceinmisdemeanour
casesshallbeprohibitedthroughouthissentencefromexercisinganyofthefollowingcivilrights:
1. Therighttoholdpublicofficeandperformpublicservices;
2. The right to hold office and perform services in managing the civil affairs of the religious
denominationortheaffairsofthetradeuniontowhichhebelongs;
3. Therighttovoteinortobeelectedtoanystatecouncil;
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4. The right to vote in or to be elected to any organization pertaining to a religious
denominationortoatradeunion;
5. TherighttobearLebaneseorforeigninsignia.

Article66Inspecialcasesdeterminedbylaw,aprohibitionontheexerciseofoneormoreofthe
rightsmentionedinthepreviousArticlemaybeimposedconcurrentlywithapenaltyforamisdemeanour.

Theprohibitionshallbeimposedforaperiodrangingfrom1to10years.

Article 67 Any decision involving a penalty for a felony shall be posted for a period of one
monthattheentrancetotheCriminalCourt,inthelocalityclosesttothesceneofthefelony,andinthe
localitywheretheconvictedpersonhadadomicileorresidence.

Incasesspeciallypermittedbylaw,ajudgementinvolvingapenaltyforamisdemeanourmaybe
postedforaperiodof15daysinlocationsdesignatedbytheJudge.

Judgementsshallbepostedassummariesattheexpenseoftheconvictedperson.

TheJudgemaydeterminethesizeofthenoticeandtheprint.

Article68TheCriminalCourtmayorderthepublicationofanycriminaldecisioninoneortwo
newspapersthatitdesignates.

Any judgement ordering a penalty for a misdemeanour may also be published in one or two
newspapersdesignatedbytheJudgeifthelawcontainsanexplicitprovisiontothateffect.

Ifafelonyormisdemeanourisperpetratedbyanewspaperoranyotherperiodical,anadditional
noticemaybepublishedtherein.

If no order is issued for publication of the entire judgement, a summary thereof shall be
published.

Theconvictedpersonshallbeliableforallcostssoincurred.

ThefinestipulatedinthelastparagraphofArticle68wasamendedbyArticle7ofActNo.239of
27May1993,asfollows:
Thepublisherofthenewspaperselectedforpublicationofthenoticeshallbesentencedtoafine
ofbetween20,000and100,000Lebanesepoundsifherefusestopublishitordeferspublication.

Article69Article69wasamendedbyArticle10oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Without prejudice to the rights of bona fide third parties, all items that are the product of an
intentional felony or misdemeanour, or that were used in or intended for its commission, may be
confiscated.

Suchitemsmaybeconfiscatedinthecaseofanunintentionalmisdemeanouroracontravention
ifthelawcontainsanexplicitprovisiontothateffect.

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Ifthematerialtobeconfiscatedisnotseized,theconvictedpersonshallbeaccordedaperiodof
timetosurrenderitonpainofpaymentofitsvalue,asassessedbytheJudge.

The court may, where necessary, call upon an expert to assess the amount payable and shall
collecttheassessedamountbythemethodusedforthecollectionoffines.

SectionII
Precautionarymeasures

Subsection1Precautionarymeasuresingeneral

Article70Precautionarymeasuresentailingdeprivationofliberty:
1. Confinementinasupervisedfacility;
2. Confinementinisolation;
3. Confinementinaworkcentre.

Article71Precautionarymeasuresentailingrestrictionsonliberty:
1. Prohibitiononfrequentingbars;
2. Residenceban;
3. Probation;
4. Supervision;
5. Deportation.

Article72Precautionarymeasuresentailingdeprivationofrights:
1. Forfeitureofguardianshiportrusteeship;
2. Prohibitiononpursuitofanactivity;
3. Prohibitiononcarryingaweapon.

Article73Precautionarymeasuresinvolvingproperty:
1. Confiscationofproperty;
2. Provisionofasurety;
3. Closureofbusinesspremises;
4. Cessationofoperationsordissolutionofalegalperson.

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Subsection2Confinementinasupervisedfacility

Article74Apersonsubjecttoanorderofconfinementinasupervisedfacilityshallbeplacedin
ahospitaldesignatedbydecree,whereheshallreceivethecarerequiredbyhiscondition.

Article 75 Thephysicianatthefacilityshallprepareasixmonthlyreportontheconditionof
theconvictedperson.

Aphysicianappointedbythecourtthatorderedhisconfinementshallalsoseehimatleastonce
ayear.

Article 76 A person who is sentenced to deprivation or restriction of liberty, confinement in


isolation,probation,aresidencebanorprovisionofasuretyandwhoisfoundduringenforcementofthe
sentence to be suffering from mental illness shall be confined in a supervised facility, where he shall
receivethecarerequiredbyhiscondition.

Theperiodofconfinementmaynotexceedtheremainingtermofthesentenceorprecautionary
measure of which enforcement has been suspended unless the convicted person is a danger to public
safety.

When the Judge orders his release, he shall decide whether all or some of the period of
confinementshouldbedeductedfromthetermofthepenaltyorprecautionarymeasure.

Subsection3Confinementinisolation

Article77Theperiodofisolationshallrangefrom3to15years.

Asentenceofconfinementinisolationshallbeservedinaworkinstitutionorinanagricultural
settlementdesignatedbydecree.

TheJudgeshallordertheconfinementoftheconvictedpersoninoneoftheseinstitutionsonthe
basisofhisqualifications,andofwhetherhehadanurbanorruralupbringing.

Articles57to58shallapplytopersonssentencedtoconfinementinisolation.

Article78Iftheconvictedpersonleavestheinstitutioninwhichheisconfinedforanyperiod,
heshallbeliabletoimprisonmentwithlabourforonetothreeyears.

Subsection4Confinementinaworkcentre

Article79Theperiodofconfinementinaworkcentremaynotbelessthanthreemonthsor
morethanthreeyears.

TheconvictedpersonshallbesubjecttotheregimespecifiedinArticles57and58.

If the convicted person leaves the work centre for any period, he shall be sentenced to
imprisonmentwithlabourforatermofthreemonthstooneyear.

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Subsection5Prohibitiononfrequentingbars

Article 80 If a felony or misdemeanour was committed under the influence of alcohol, the
Judgemayprohibittheconvictedpersonfromfrequentingbarswherealcoholicbeveragesaresoldfora
periodofbetweenoneandfiveyearsonpainofimprisonmentforatermoftendaystothreemonths.

The same penalty shall be imposed on the seller and persons in his employ who serve the
convictedpersonalcoholicbeveragesdespitebeingawareoftheprohibition.

Subsection6Residenceban

Article81Aresidencebanprohibitsaconvictedpersonfrombeingpresentafterhisreleasein
locationsspecifiedinthejudgement.

Residence shall be banned ipso jure in the district where the felony or misdemeanour was
committed,andinthedistrictofresidenceofthevictimorhisbloodrelativesuptothefourthdegree,
unlesstheJudgedecidesotherwise.

Article82Theperiodoftheresidencebanshallrangefrom1to15years.

Persons sentenced to a criminal penalty involving deprivation or restriction of liberty shall be


subjectipsojuretoaresidencebanforaperiodequaltothetermofthepenaltyimposed.

Personssentencedtodeath,tohardlabourforlifeortolifeimprisonmentandwhosesentence
is remitted under a general amnesty, timebarred, commuted or replaced with a fixedterm sentence
shallbesubjectipsojuretoaresidencebanforaperiodof15years.

Persons sentenced for a misdemeanour shall not be subject to a residence ban unless the law
explicitlyprovidesfororpermitstheimpositionofsuchaban.

AlloftheforegoingshallbeapplicableunlesstheJudgedecidestoincreaseorreducetheperiod
of the ban within the timescale laid down in the first paragraph or to grant the convicted person an
exemption.

Article 83 Any violation of the residence ban shall be punishable by imprisonment for three
monthstothreeyears.TheJudgemaysubstituteprobationfortheresidencebanforaperiodofnotless
thanthatwhichremainsoftheresidenceban.

Subsection7Probation

Article84Thepurposeofprobationistoascertainthegoodbehaviouroftheconvictedperson
andfacilitatehisreintegrationintosociety.

A person on probation shall be subject to the prohibition on frequenting bars and to the
residenceban.Heshallrefrainfromfrequentingplacesthatareproscribedbylawsandregulationsand
shallcomplywiththeordersimposedbytheJudgetoprecluderecidivism.Suchordersmaybealtered
whilethemeasureisbeingenforced.

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Article85Theperiodofprobationshallrangefromonetofiveyears,unlessthelawcontainsa
specialprovisiontothecontrary.

Intheabsenceofprobationservices,thepoliceshallbeinchargeofprobation.

AreportontheconductoftheconvictedpersonshallbesubmittedtotheJudgeatleastonce
everythreemonths.

Article86AnypersononprobationwhobreachestherulesimposedbylaworbytheJudge,or
whopersistentlyevadesprobation,shallbesentencedtoimprisonmentwithlabourforatermofthree
monthstothreeyears,unlessthelawprovidesforanotherpenalty.

Subsection8Supervision

Article87SupervisionshallbeentrustedtospecialinstitutionsrecognizedbytheState.

The institution shall provide work for the convicted person. Its representatives shall carefully
monitorhislifestyleandprovidehimwithadviceandassistance.Thepropertyofareleasedprisonermay
behandedovertothemforuseinhisbestinterest.

A report on the condition and behaviour of the convicted person shall be submitted to the
judicialbodythatorderedthemeasureatleastonceeverythreemonths.

Subsection9Deportation

Article 88 Any foreigner sentenced to a criminal penalty may be expelled from Lebanese
territorypursuanttoaspecialclauseofthejudgement.

Ifheissentencedtoapenaltyforamisdemeanour,hemaynotbeexpelledexceptinthecases
prescribedbylaw.

Thedeportationordershalleitherbepermanentorforaperiodrangingfrom3to25years.

Article89AforeigneragainstwhomadeportationorderhasbeenissuedmustleaveLebanese
territorybyhisownmeanswithin15days.

Any breach of a judicial or administrative deportation measure shall be punishable by


imprisonmentforatermofbetweenoneandsixmonths.

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Subsection10Forfeitureofguardianshiportrusteeship

Article90Forfeitureofguardianshiportrusteeshipentailsthelossofallrightsoverachildor
orphanandhisproperty.

Forfeitureshallbeeitherfullorpartialanditshalleitherbegeneralorconfinedtooneormore
childrenororphans.

Exerciseoftheguardianshiportrusteeshipshallbetransferredtoatrusteeinaccordancewith
therulesgoverningpersonalstatus.

Article91Afather,motherortrusteemaybedeniedguardianshiportrusteeshipifheorsheis
sentencedtoacriminalpenaltyanditisevidentthatheorsheisunfittoexerciseauthorityoverthechild
ororphan.

Article92Suchpersonsshallbeliabletothesamemeasure:
1. Iftheyaresentencedtoapenaltyforafelonyoramisdemeanourinconnectionwiththe
perpetrationoforcomplicityinanoffenceagainstachild,descendantororphan;
2. Ifaminorintheircarecommitsafelonyormisdemeanourasaresultoftheircareless
upbringingorhabitualneglectofhissupervision.

Article93Forfeitureofguardianshiportrusteeshipshallbeforlifeorforaperiodofbetween3
and15years.

Undernocircumstancesmayaperiodbeprescribedthatisshorterthanacustodialpenaltyor
custodialprecautionarymeasuretowhichthefather,motherortrusteeissentenced.

Subsection11Prohibitiononpursuitofanactivity

Article 94 Anypersonmaybeprohibitedfrompursuingaspecializeddiscipline,aprofession,
tradeoranyotheractivitythatdependsontheacceptanceofauthorityortheacquisitionofacertificate
if he is sentenced to a penalty for a felony or misdemeanour pertaining to an offence committed in
breachofprofessionalobligationsordutiesassociatedwiththeactivityinquestion.

Iftheactivitycanbepursuedunconditionallyorwithoutalicence,thecourtsmaynotprohibitits
pursuitexceptinthecasesprescribedbylaw.

In cases involving printed matter, the publisher shall be subject to a prohibition even if his
pursuit of the activity requires no licence. The prohibition imposed on him or the owner shall entail
suspensionofthenewspaperforthesameperiodastheprohibition.

Article 95 Theperiodoftheprohibitionshallrangefromonemonthtotwoyears.Itmaybe
imposed for life if a temporary prohibition order was imposed on the offender by a final decision less
thanfiveyearspreviouslyorifthelawcontainsanexplicitprovisiontothateffect.

Thefinestipulatedinparagraph2ofArticle95wasamendedbyArticle8ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

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Pursuitoftheprohibitedactivity,eventhroughoronbehalfofthirdparties,shallbepunishable
byimprisonmentofuptothreemonthsandafineofupto200,000Lebanesepounds.

Subsection12Prohibitiononcarryingaweapon

Article 96 Prohibition on carrying a weapon may be ordered for life or for a period ranging
from3to15years.

Nopersonsubjecttosuchameasuremayobtainapermittoacquireorcarryaweapon,andany
permitinhispossessionshallbecancelled.

Thefeethathepaidforthatpurposeshallnotbereimbursed.

Article 97 Any penalty imposed for a felony or a misdemeanour pertaining to an offence


perpetratedbymeansofaweaponorinvolvingviolenceshallentailaprohibitiononcarryingaweapon
foraperiodofthreeyears,unlessthejudgementstatesotherwise.

Subsection13Confiscationofproperty

Article98Article98wasamendedbyArticle11oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:
Itemsunlawfullymanufactured,acquired,soldorusedbytheaccusedorconvictedpersonshall
beconfiscated,eveniftheyarenothispropertyoriftheprosecutiondoesnotleadtoaconviction.

Ifthematerialtobeconfiscatedisnotseized,theconvictedoraccusedpersonshallbeaccorded
aperiodoftimetosurrenderitonpainofpaymentofdoubleitsvalue,asassessedbytheJudge.

The court may, where necessary, call upon an expert to assess the amount payable and shall
collecttheassessedamountbythemethodusedforthecollectionoffines.

Subsection14Provisionofasurety

Article 99 A surety is a sum of money, general securities, a security bond or an insurance


contractdepositedasaguaranteeofgoodbehaviouronthepartoftheconvictedpersonorinorderto
precludeanotheroffence.

The surety requirement may be imposed for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five
yearsunlessthelawcontainsaspecialprovisionpertainingthereto.

ThesumstipulatedinthelastparagraphofArticle99wasamendedbyArticle8ofActNo.239of
27May1993,asfollows:

Intheruling,theJudgeshalldeterminethesumtobedepositedorthesumtobecoveredbythe
insurance contract or security bond. It may not be less than 5,000 or more than 400,000 Lebanese
pounds.

Article 100 The surety requirement shall be replaced ipso jure with probation for the same
periodifthesuretyisnotprovidedbeforethedatesetbytheJudgeandwithin10daysatthelatest.

Ifthesuretyrequirementisimposedonalegalperson,itmaybedischargedbydistraint.
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Iftheassetsofthelegalpersonareinsufficienttocovertheamountofsuretysetunlessitceases
itslegitimateactivity,itsdissolutionmaybeordered.

Article 101 Article101wasamendedby paragraph10ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:
Asuretyrequirementmaybeimposed:
1. Inthecaseofasentenceforthreatsorblackmail;
2. Inthecaseofasentenceforincitementtoafelonythatproducednoeffect;
3. Ifthereiscausetofearthattheconvictedpersonwillreturntoharmthevictimormembers
ofhisfamily,ortodamagetheirproperty;
4. Inthecaseofastayofenforcementorthesuspensionofanenforceablejudgement;
5. Inthecaseofasentenceagainstalegalpersonforanoffenceentailingprobation.

Article 102 Thesuretyshallbereturned,theinsurancecancelledandthesecurityreleasedif


theacttobeprecludedisnotcommittedduringtheprobationperiod.

Paragraph2ofArticle102wasamendedbyparagraph11ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.
112of16September1983,asfollows:

In the contrary case, the surety shall be collected and earmarked, in order of priority, for
personalcompensation,feesandfines.Anyremainingamountshallbeconfiscatedforthebenefitofthe
State.

Subsection15Closureofbusinesspremises

Article103Theclosureofbusinesspremiseswhereanoffencewascommittedbyorwiththe
consent of the owner may be ordered for a minimum of one month and a maximum of two years if
explicitlypermittedbylaw.

Closureforanyreasonshallipsojureentailaprohibitiononpursuitofthesameactivitybythe
convictedperson,asstipulatedinArticle94.

Article 104 Theclosureofbusinesspremisesorderedonaccountofcriminalorimmoralacts


shallentailaprohibitiononpursuitofthesameactivitythereinbytheconvictedperson,amemberofhis
family,oranypersonwhoownsorleasesthepremisesandwasawareofthematter.

Theprohibitionshallnotbeapplicabletotheownerofthepropertyandtoallthosewitharight
oflien,amortgagerightoraclaimonthepremisesiftheyhadnoconnectionwiththeoffence.

Article105Iftheclosureofbusinesspremisesisorderedbecausetheinvestorundertookhis
investment in his place of residence without a licence, he shall be required to vacate the premises,
withoutprejudicetotherightofthebonafidelessor,tocanceltheleaseandtofileaclaimforlossand
damages.

Article 106 If thismeasureisorderedbecausetheinvestoris legallyincompetent, its effects


shallberestrictedtohim.

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Article107Theconvictedpersonandanythirdpartyshallbeliabletothepenaltiessetoutin
Article95ifhebreachestheprovisionsoftheprecedingArticles.

Subsection16Cessationofoperationsordissolutionofalegalperson

Article 108 A labour union, company or association and any legal person, apart from public
administration services, may be ordered to cease its operations if its directors, management staff,
representatives or employees commit on its behalf, or using one of the means at its disposal, an
intentionalfelonyormisdemeanourpunishablebyimprisonmentforatermofatleasttwoyears.

Article109 Thesaidlegalpersonsmaybedissolvedinthecasesreferredtointhepreceding
Article:
1. Iftheyfailedtocomplywiththelegalrequirementsforincorporation;
2. Ifthepurposeforwhichtheywereestablishedisunlawfuloriftheywereintendeddefacto
toservesuchapurpose;
3. Iftheybreachedthelegalprovisionsprescribedonpainofdissolution;
4. Iftheiroperationsweresuspendedpursuanttoafinaldecisiondeliveredlessthanfiveyears
previously.

Article110Dissolutionshallbeorderedforaminimumofonemonthandamaximumoftwo
years.Itshallentailthehaltingofallactivitybythelegalperson,evenifitsnamehasbeenchangedand
ithasdifferentdirectorsormanagementstaff,andshallprecludetransferofownershipofthepremises,
withoutprejudicetotherightsofbonafidethirdparties.

Dissolution shall entail liquidation of the assets of the legal person, and the directors or
managementstaff,andanyonepersonallyresponsiblefortheoffenceshallbelegallydisqualifiedfrom
establishingormanagingasimilarlegalperson.

Article 111 ThefinestipulatedinArticle111was amended by Article9ofAct No.239of27


May1993,asfollows:

Anyinfringementoftheaboveprovisionsshallbepunishablebyimprisonmentforatermofone
tosixmonthsandbyafineofbetween100,000and2millionLebanesepounds.

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Subsection17Calculationofpenaltiesandprecautionarymeasures

Article 112 Onedayofapenaltyorprecautionarymeasureis24hoursandonemonthis30


days. Where they exceed one month, they are calculated from date to date, in accordance with the
Westerncalendar.

Detainees shall be released before noon on the final day, except where the sentence is for a
periodof24hours.

Article113Apenaltyofdeprivationorrestrictionoflibertyshallbecalculatedfromthedayon
whichitsenforcementbeginspursuanttoafinaljudgement.

Inthecaseofmultiplesentences,theheaviestsentenceshallbeservedfirst.

In the case of multiple penalties of deprivation and restriction of liberty, the former shall be
enforcedfirst.

Article 114 The period of loss of civil rights shall run from the day on which the judgement
becamefinal.Ifthedecisionwasdeliveredinabsentia,itshallbecalculatedfromthedateonwhichthe
mostrecentpostingpursuanttoArticle67wasrecorded.

The deprivation of civil rights imposed as an accessory penalty pursuant to Article 66 shall be
enforcedassoonthetermoftheprimarypenaltyofdeprivationorrestrictionoflibertyexpires.

Article 115 A judgement ordering confinement in a supervised facility shall take immediate
effect,regardlessofanyotherpenaltyorprecautionarymeasureinvolvingdeprivationorrestrictionof
liberty.

Precautionarymeasuresinvolvingdeprivationorrestrictionofliberty,exceptforconfinementin
asupervisedfacility,shallbeenforcedaftercustodialpenalties.

Penaltiesinvolvingrestrictionoflibertyshallbeenforcedafterprecautionarymeasuresinvolving
deprivationofliberty.

Inthecaseofmultipleprecautionarymeasuresinvolvingdeprivationoflibertyandrestrictionof
liberty, the former shall be enforced first in the following order: confinement in a supervised facility;
confinementinisolation;confinementinaworkcentre.

Deportationshalltakeeffectregardlessofanyotherprecautionarymeasureorpenaltyentailing
lossofrights.

Article116Theprohibitiononpursuitofanactivity,theprohibitiononcarryingaweaponand
the surety requirement shall be enforced after expiry of the term of custodial penalties and
precautionarymeasures.

Theremainingprecautionarymeasures,measuresinvolvingpropertyandmeasuresinvolvingloss
ofrightsshalltakeeffectfromthedayonwhichthejudgementbecomesfinal.

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Article117Pretrialdetentionshallalwaysbetakenintoaccountwhencalculatingthetermof
penalties involving deprivation and restriction of liberty and shall be deducted from fines on a scale
determinedbytheJudgeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticles54,62and64.

Itshallbedeductedfromthetermofprecautionarymeasuresinvolvingdeprivationoflibertyif
theJudgemakesanexplicitrulingtothateffectinthejudgement.

SectionIII
Rehabilitativemeasures

Articles118to128inclusivewererevokedbyLegislativeDecreeNo.119of16September1983,
whichwasrevokedinturnbyActNo.422of6June2002.

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[Articles147to150]

SectionV
Remissionofcriminalsentences

Subsection1Generalprovisions

Article 147 Paragraphs 4 and 8 were revoked from Article 147 and the last paragraph was
addedbyArticle7ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of16September1983:

Criminalsentencesshall beremittedortheirenforcementshall be precludedorsuspendedon


thefollowinggrounds:
1. Deathoftheconvictedperson;
2. Ageneralamnesty;
3. Aspecialpardon;
4. Revoked
5. Rehabilitation;
6. Expiryoftheprescriptionperiod;
7. Astayofenforcement;
8. Revoked.

Withtheexceptionofrehabilitation,theAppealCourtProsecutorshallruleontheremissionof
sentencesdeliveredwithinhisareaofjurisdiction.

Article 148 The grounds on which criminal sentences are remitted or their enforcement
precludedorsuspendedshallhavenoeffectoncivilobligations,whichremainsubjecttotheprovisions
oftheCodeofCivilProcedure.

Subsection2Deathoftheconvictedperson

Article149Allconsequencesofacriminalsentenceshalllapseonthedeathoftheconvicted
person.

The decease shall preclude the payment of fines and the publication and posting of the
judgementpursuanttoArticles67and68.

Itshallhavenoeffectontheconfiscationofpersonalitemsiftheconfiscateditemshavebeen
awardedtothecivilparty,onconfiscationofproperty,orontheclosureofbusinesspremisespursuant
toArticle104.

Subsection3Generalamnesty

Article150Ageneralamnestyshallbeproclaimedbythelegislature.

Anyprimary,accessoryoradditionalpenaltyshallberemitted.

PrecautionaryandrehabilitativemeasuresshallnotbecoveredunlesstheAmnestyActcontains
anexplicitprovisiontothateffect.
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FinespaidanditemsconfiscatedpursuanttoArticle69shallnotbereturned.

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[Articles152to156]

Subsection4Specialpardon

Article152ThePresidentoftheRepublicgrantsaspecialpardonafterconsultingthePardon
Commission.

Theconvictedpersonmaynotrefusethepardon.

ThenumberofArticle70inthefollowingclauseofArticle152wascorrectedto170,bytheonly
articleoftheActof14August1951.

ThepardonmaybeconditionalandlinkedtooneormoreoftherequirementssetforthinArticle
170.

Iftheactcommittedwasafelony,thecivilpartyshallbecompensatedpursuanttoArticle170,
paragraph3,withinaperiodofnotmorethanthreeyears.

Article 153 A special pardon is personal and may take the form of a substitute penalty,
remissionofthepenaltyorprecautionarymeasure,oritsfullorpartialcommutation.

The pardon shall not cover accessory or additional penalties or precautionary measures
prescribedinadditiontotheprimarypenalty,unlessthedecreegrantingitcontainsanexplicitprovision
tothateffect.

Article 154 A person against whom a final judgement has not been delivered shall not be
eligibleforapardon.

A stay of enforcement or the suspension of an enforceable judgement shall not preclude the
grantingofapardon.

Article 155 The remission of a penalty or precautionary measure shall be equivalent to its
enforcement.

Theeffectofaremittedorsubstitutepenaltyshallcontinuetoapplytoprovisionsrelatingtoa
stay of enforcement, suspension of an enforceable judgement,rehabilitation, recidivism and persistent
offending.

Article156Thebenefitofapardonshallbelostbyaconvictedpersonwhocommitsafurther
offence that renders him liable to punishment for recidivism or who has been found by a court
judgementtohavebreachedanobligationimposedbyArticle152.

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[Articles159to174]

Subsection6Rehabilitation

Article 159 Any person convicted of a felony or a misdemeanour may be rehabilitated by a


judicialdecisionifthefollowingconditionsaremet:

1. Seven years must have elapsed in the case of a felony and three years in the case of a
misdemeanour since he served the sentence and any associated precautionary custodial
measure,orsinceitwasextinguishedbyexpiryoftheprescriptionperiod.

If the penalty imposed was loss of civil rights, the period shall run from the day on which the
judgement became final and, in the case of an additional penalty of imprisonment, from the day on
whichthesentenceexpired.

Ifthepenaltyimposedwasafine,theperiodshallrunfromthedayofpaymentorofexpiryof
thesubstitutetermofimprisonment.

Iftheconvictedpersonisarecidivistinthelegalsenseofthetermorhaspreviouslybenefited
fromrehabilitation,theperiodshallbedoubled.

2. Hemustnothavebeensubsequentlysentencedforafelonyoramisdemeanour.

Anysubsequentsentenceforeithercategoryofoffenceshallentailthetollingofthetimeperiod.

3. Civil obligations imposed in the sentence must have been executed, extinguished or time
barred,ortheconvictedpersonmustprovethathiscircumstancesrenderedhimincapable
ofdischargingtheobligations.

A person declared bankrupt must prove that he has duly settled the debt, together with the
interestandcosts,orthathehasbeenexoneratedfrompayment.

4. Itmustbeevidentfromtheprisonrecordsandmonitoringoftheconvictedpersonsconduct
followinghisreleasethathehasgenuinelybeenrehabilitated.

Article160Anypersonsentencedtodeprivationorrestrictionoflibertyforamisdemeanour
shallberehabilitatedipsojureif,duringthesevenyearssincetheexpiryofhissentence,hehasnotagain
beensentencedtoimprisonment,aresidencebanoraheavierpenalty.

Anypersonsentencedtoafineforamisdemeanourshallberehabilitatedipsojureif,duringthe
fiveyearssincepaymentorcompletionoftheperiodofsubstituteimprisonment,hehasnotagainbeen
sentencedtoafineforamisdemeanourortoaheavierpenalty.

Article161Rehabilitationshallannultheeffectsofalljudgementsrendered.

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It shall extinguish accessory or additional penalties and precautionary measures and any
consequentiallossoflegalcapacity.

The judgements in question may not be invoked subsequently in respect of recidivism or


persistentoffendingorinordertoprecludeastayofenforcement.

Subsection7Prescription

Article162Prescriptionprecludestheenforcementofpenaltiesandprecautionarymeasures.

Prescriptionshallnot,however,beapplicabletopenaltiesandprecautionarymeasuresinvolving
lossofrights,aresidencebanorconfiscationofproperty.

ThefollowingparagraphwasaddedtoArticle162byArticle8ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of16
September1983:

The delivery ofajudgementina case, evenatfirst instance,shallentailthesuspensionofthe


prescriptionperiodforthepublicprosecution.Itshallresumeonlyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
Article163etsequituroftheCriminalCode.

Article163Article163wasrevokedbyArticle9ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of16September
1983andreplacedwiththefollowingtext:

Theprescriptionperiodinrespectofthedeathpenaltyandlifesentencesforfeloniesshallbe25
years.

The prescription period in respect of fixedterm penalties for felonies shall be double the
sentenceimposedbythecourtandmaynotbemorethan20yearsorlessthan10years.

Theprescriptionperiodinrespectofanyotherpenaltyforafelonyshallbe10years.Thisperiod
shallalsobeapplicabletoanypenaltyimposedforamisdemeanour.

Theprescriptionperiodshallrunfromthedateofthejudgementifitwasdeliveredinabsentia
andfromthedatewhenitbecomesfinalifitwasdeliveredadversariallyandtheconvictedpersonwas
notincustody.Otherwiseitshallrunfromthedayonwhichheevadedenforcement.

Iftheconvictedpersonevadesenforcementofapenaltyofdeprivationorrestrictionofliberty,
halfofthesentenceservedshallbedeductedfromtheprescriptionperiod.

Article164Article164wasamendedbyArticle18oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Theprescriptionperiodinrespectofpenaltiesfor misdemeanoursshall be doublethe termof


thesentenceimposedbythecourt.Itmaynotbemorethan10yearsorlessthan5years.

Theprescriptionperiodforanyotherpenaltiesinrespectofmisdemeanoursshallbefiveyears.

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Theprescriptionperiodshallrun:

Inthecaseofajudgementdeliveredadversarially,fromthedateofdeliveryofalastinstance
judgementandfromthedateonwhichafirstinstancejudgmentbecomesfinal;

Inthecaseofajudgementdeliveredinabsentia,fromthedateonwhichnoticewasservedon
theconvictedpersonhimselfathisdomicile;

Iftheconvictedpersonisincustody,fromthedateofhisevasionfromenforcement,inwhich
casehalfofthesentenceservedshallbedeductedfromtheprescriptionperiod.

Article 165 The prescription period in respect of penalties for contraventions shall be two
years,beginninginaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheprecedingparagraph.

Article166Theprescriptionperiodinrespectofprecautionarymeasuresshallbethreeyears.

Theprescriptionperiodshallbegintorunonlyfromthedayonwhichtheprecautionarymeasure
becameenforceablepursuanttoArticles115and116orafterexpiryoftheprescriptionperiodforthe
penaltywithwhichitisassociated,unlesstheJudgerules,beforesevenyearshaveelapsedaspreviously
established, that the convicted person remains a danger to public safety, in which case he shall order
continuedenforcementoftheprecautionarymeasure.

Article167Article167wasrevokedbyLegislativeDecreeNo.119of16September1983that
wasrevokedinturnbyActNo.422of6June2002.

Article 168 The prescription period shall be calculated from date to date, excluding the first
day.

Theprescriptionperiodshallbesuspendedbyanylegalor materialbar toenforcementofthe


penaltyormeasure,unlessitstemsfromthevolitionoftheconvictedperson.

Theprescriptionperiodshallbestayedby:
1. Theappearanceoftheconvictedpersonoranyactionundertakenbytheauthoritiesforthe
purposeofenforcement;
2. The commission of another offence by the convicted person that is equivalent to or more
seriousthantheoffenceforwhichthepenaltyormeasurewasimposed.

Innocasemaytheprescriptionperiodbemorethandoubled.

Subsection8Stayofenforcement

Article169Whenimposingasentenceforamisdemeanourorcontravention,theJudgemay
orderastayofenforcementiftheconvictedpersonhasnotpreviouslybeensentencedtoapenaltyof
thesametypeortoaheavierpenalty.

Theconvictedpersonshallnotbegrantedastayofenforcementifhehasnogenuineresidence
inLebanonorifthejudicialoradministrativeauthoritieshaveorderedhisexpulsion.

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Astayofenforcementshallnotsuspendtheenforcementofadditionaloraccessorypenaltiesor
precautionarymeasures.

Article170TheJudgemaymakethestayofenforcementconditionalonfulfilmentofoneor
moreofthefollowingobligations:
1. Provisionofsuretybytheconvictedperson;
2. Hisplacementundersupervision;
3. Receiptbythecivilpartyoffullorpartialcompensationwithinaperiodnotexceedingtwo
yearsinthecaseofamisdemeanourandsixmonthsinthecaseofacontravention.

Article171Article171wasamendedbyArticle20oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

The benefit of a stay of enforcement shall be lost by any person who, within a period of five
years or two years, depending on whether he was sentenced for a misdemeanour or a contravention,
commitsanotheroffenceforwhichhereceivesasimilarorheaviersentence,orwhoisfoundbyacourt
tohavebreachedobligationsimposedbytheJudgepursuanttotheprecedingArticle.

Article172Ifthestayofenforcementhasnotbeenrevoked,thejudgementshallbedeemed
null and void on expiry of the test period, and additional penalties and precautionary measures other
thanconfinementinasupervisedfacility,confiscationofpropertyandtheclosureofbusinesspremises
pursuanttoArticle104shallceasetohaveeffect.

Thestayofenforcementmay,however,berevoked,evenafterthetestperiodhasexpired,ifan
actiontosetasideisinstitutedorifanewoffenceisprosecutedbeforeexpiryofthesaidperiod.

Subsection9Suspensionofanenforceablejudgement

Article173Article173wasrevokedbyArticle47oftheActof5February1948.

Article 174 The suspension of an enforceable judgement cannot be granted if a custodial


precautionarymeasureistobeenforcedagainsttheconvictedpersonafterthetermofhissentencehas
expired.Itshallhavenoeffectinthecaseofaccessoryoradditionalpenalties.

Apersonsentencedtohardlabourandextendedimprisonmentshallcontinuetobedeprivedof
legalcapacityuntilthetermofhissentencehasexpired,unlesstheJudgedecidesotherwise.

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[Articles179to198]

ChapterIII
Offences

SectionI
Legalelementsofoffences

Subsection1Legaldefinition

Article 179 An offence is defined as a felony, a misdemeanour or a contravention and is


accordinglypunishablebyapenaltyforafelony,amisdemeanouroracontravention.

Thelegaldefinitionisbasedonthemaximumleveloftheheaviestpenaltyimposedbylaw.

Article 180 Article180wasamendedbyparagraph14ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

The legal definition shall not change if the penalty imposed by law is replaced with a more
lenientpenaltyduetoextenuatingcircumstancesormitigatinggrounds.

Subsection2Notionalpluralityofoffences

Article181Ifanacthasseveraldefinitions,theyshallallbementionedinthejudgementand
theJudgeshallimposetheheaviestpenalty.

However,ifbothageneralprovisionofcriminallawandaspecialprovisionareapplicabletothe
act,thespecialprovisionshallbeapplied.

Article182Thesameactshallbeliabletoprosecutiononlyonce.

However,iftheconsequencesofthecriminalactareaggravatedaftertheinitialprosecution,the
actshallbecomeliabletoamoreseriousdefinition.Itshallbeprosecutedaccordinglyandtheheavier
penaltyshallbeimposed.Ifthepreviouslyimposedsentencehasbeenserved,itshallbedeductedfrom
thenewsentence.

Subsection3Justificatorygrounds

Article183Anactundertakeninexerciseofarightwithoutabuseshallnotberegardedasan
offence.

Article 184 Article184wasamendedbyparagraph15ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

Anyactdeemedimmediatelynecessaryasadefenceagainstawrongfulandunprovokedattack
ononespersonorpropertyoronthepersonorpropertyofothersshallbedeemedtoconstitutethe
exerciseofaright.Thesameappliestotheprotectionofanaturalorlegalperson.

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Ifanabuseoccursinthecourseofthedefence,theperpetratoroftheoffencemaybeexempted
fromapenaltypursuanttothetermsofArticle228.

Article 185 An act undertaken pursuant to a legal provision or in response to a lawful order
issuedbyanauthorityshallnotberegardedasanoffence.

Iftheorderissuedisunlawful,thepersonwhoexecutesitshallbeexoneratedifthelawdidnot
permithimtoascertainitslegality.

The following paragraph was added by the Act implementing Decree No. 15739 of 11 March
1964:

Ahandwrittenordershallalsobeconsideredlawfulifissuedby:
1. ThePresidentoftheJudicialInspectionBoard;
2. ThePresidentoftheCentralInspectionBoard;
3. TheDirectorGeneraloftheInternalSecurityForces;
4. TheDirectorGeneralofGeneralSecurity

withinhisfieldofcompetence,toapublicservant,requiringhimtopretendtoparticipateinanoffence
ofbriberypunishableunderArticles351to356oftheCriminalCodeforthepurposeofunmaskingthe
perpetratorsofsuchoffences,providedthatthejustificationforsuchparticipationistocontrolthistype
ofoffenceandthattheactionofthepersonsotaskeddoesnotexceedtheintendedpurpose.

Article186Anactpermittedbylawshallnotberegardedasanoffence.

Thelawpermits:
1. Disciplinary slapping of children by their parents and teachers in the manner permitted by
generalcustom;
2. Surgery or medical treatment that complies with scientific rules, provided that it is
conductedwiththeconsentofthepatientorhislawfulrepresentatives,orinanemergency;
3. Actsofviolencethatoccurduringsportsiftherulesofthegameareobserved.

Article187Anactthatisprosecutedbecauseitiscontrarytothewillofathirdpartyshallnot
beregardedasanoffenceifitwasundertakenwiththelatterspriororconcurrentconsent.

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SectionII
Mentalelementsofoffences

Subsection1Intent

Article188Intentconsistsofthewilltocommitanoffencedefinedbylaw.

Article189Anoffenceshallbedeemedtobeintentional,evenifthecriminaleffectoftheact
or omission exceeds that intended by the perpetrator, if he had foreseen the possibility and thus
acceptedtherisk.

Article190Faultexistswhereaharmfulactresultsfromnegligence,recklessnessorfailureto
complywithlawsandregulations.

Article191Anoffenceisunintentionaliftheperpetratordidnotforeseetheconsequenceof
hiswrongfulactoromissionalthoughhecouldorshouldhavedoneso,orifheforesawitandbelieved
thathecouldpreventit.

Subsection2Motive

Article 192 Article192wasamendedbyparagraph16ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

Motiveisthereasonorendpurposethatpromptedtheperpetratortoact.

Itshallnotconstituteanelementofanoffenceexceptincasesspecifiedbylaw.

Article 193 If the Judge considers that the motive was honourable, he shall impose the
followingpenalties:

Lifeimprisonmentinsteadofthedeathpenalty;

Lifeimprisonmentorfixedtermimprisonmentfor15yearsinsteadofhardlabourforlife;

Fixedtermimprisonmentinsteadoffixedtermhardlabour;

Ordinaryimprisonmentinsteadofimprisonmentwithlabour.

The Judge may, in addition, exempt the convicted person from the penalty of posting and
publicationofthejudgement.

ThefollowingparagraphwasaddedtoArticle193byArticle10ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of
16September1983:

Amotiveshallbehonourableifitischaracterizedbymagnanimityandhighmindedness,andifit
isnotmarredbyselfishness,personalconsiderationsandtheprospectofmaterialgain.

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Article 194 If the offence is punishable by life imprisonment, fixedterm extended
imprisonmentorordinaryimprisonmentandwaspromptedbyadishonourablemotive,theJudgeshall
replace:

Lifeimprisonmentwithhardlabourforlife;

Fixedtermextendedimprisonmentwithfixedtermhardlabour;

Ordinaryimprisonmentwithimprisonmentwithlabour.

Article195Ifanoffencethatisnotpunishablebyafineisperpetratedwiththemotiveofgain,
suchapenaltyshallbeimposedinconjunctionwiththepenaltyprovidedforbylaw.

Subsection3Politicaloffences

Article 196 Political offences are intentional offences committed by the perpetrator for a
politicalmotive.

They are also offences committed against general and individual political rights unless the
perpetratorwaspromptedbyaselfishandbasemotive.

Article197Complexoffencesoroffencescloselyconnectedwithpoliticaloffencesaredeemed
to be political offences, unless they constitute most serious felonies or attempted felonies in terms of
morals and ordinary law, such as homicide, grievous bodily harm, attacks on property by arson,
explosives or flooding, and aggravated theft, particularly those involving the use of weapons and
violence.

Attimesofcivilwarorinsurrection,complexorcloselyrelatedoffencesshallnotbedeemedto
be political unless they constitute nonprohibited customs of war and they do not constitute acts of
barbarityorvandalism.

Article198Article198wasamendedbyActNo.302of21March1994,andActNo.338of2
August2001,asfollows:

IftheJudgeascertainsthattheoffenceisofapoliticalcharacter,heshallimposethefollowing
penalties:

Lifeimprisonmentinsteadofthedeathpenaltyorhardlabourforlife;

Fixedterm extended imprisonment, banishment, compulsory residence for a felony or loss of


civilrightsinsteadoffixedtermhardlabour;

Ordinary imprisonment or compulsory residence for a misdemeanour instead of imprisonment


withlabour.

Theseprovisionsshallnotapplytocrimescommittedagainstexternalstatesecurity.

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[Articles200to208]

SectionIII
Materialelementsofoffences

Subsection1Attempt

Article200Article200wasamendedbyArticle21oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Anyattempttocommitafelonythatbeganwithactsaimeddirectlyatitscommissionshallbe
deemed toconstitute thefelonyitself ifits completionwaspreventedsolely bycircumstances beyond
thecontroloftheperpetrator.

Thepenaltiesprescribedbylawmay,however,becommutedasfollows:

Thedeathpenaltymaybereplacedwithhardlabourforlifeorfixedtermhardlabourfor7to20
years;

Hardlabourforlifemaybereplacedwithfixedtermhardlabourforatleastfiveyears;

Lifeimprisonmentmaybereplacedwithfixedtermimprisonmentforatleastfiveyears;

Anyotherpenaltymaybecommutedbyonehalftotwothirds.

Anypersonwhobeginstocommitanactandthenvoluntarilydesistsshallbepunishedonlyfor
actsthathecommittedwhichconstitutedoffencesperse.

Article201Article201wasamendedbyArticle22oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Ifallactsaimedatthecommissionofafelonywerecompletedbutproducednoeffectowingto
circumstancesunrelatedtotheintentoftheperpetrator,thepenaltiesmaybecommutedasfollows:

Thedeathpenaltymaybereplacedwithhardlabourforlifeorbyfixedtermhardlabourfor10
to20years;

Hardlabourforlifemaybereplacedwithfixedtermhardlabourfor7to20years.

Life imprisonment may be replaced with fixedterm imprisonment for 7 to 20 years, and any
otherpenaltymaybecommutedbyuptoonehalf.

ThepenaltiesmentionedinthisArticlemaybecommutedbyuptotwothirdsiftheperpetrator
voluntarilypreventedhisactfromproducingitsconsequence.

Article 202 Article202wasamendedbyparagraph18ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

Neitheranattemptednoranabortivemisdemeanourshallbepunishedexceptincasesexplicitly
providedforbylaw.
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Thepenaltyincurredforacompletedmisdemeanourmaybecommutedbyuptoonehalfinthe
caseofanattemptedmisdemeanourandbyuptoonethirdinthecaseofanabortivemisdemeanour.

Article203Anattemptshallbepunished,evenifitsaimwasunattainableowingtoamaterial
circumstance unknown to the perpetrator. The perpetrator shall not be punished, however, if his act
stemmedfromamisunderstanding.

Similarly,apersonwhocommitsanactinthemistakenbeliefthatitconstitutesanoffenceshall
notbepunished.

Subsection2Pluralityofcauses

Article 204 A causal link between an act and omission on the one hand, and the criminal
consequence on the other, shall not be precluded by the concurrent existence of other previous,
simultaneousorsubsequentcauses,eveniftheywereunknowntotheperpetratororindependentofhis
act.

If, however, the subsequent cause is independent and sufficient in itself to bring about the
criminalconsequence,theperpetratorshallincurthepenaltyonlyfortheactthathecommitted.

Subsection3Pluralityofoffences

Article205Ifmultiplefeloniesormisdemeanoursarefoundtohavebeencommitted,apenalty
shallbeimposedforeachoffenceandonlytheseverestpenaltyshallbeenforced.

Thepenaltiesimposedmay,however,beconsecutive.However,thesumoffixedtermpenalties
shallnotexceedthemaximumpenaltyprescribedforthemostseriousoffencebymorethanonehalf.

If no ruling has been issued on whether the penalties imposed should run concurrently or
consecutively,themattershallbereferredtotheJudgeforadecision.

Article 206 Iftheoffenceharmedsomeoneotherthantheintended person,theperpetrator


shallbepunishedasiftheacthadbeencommittedagainsttheintendedperson.

Ifbothpersonssufferharm,thepenaltymentionedintheaboveparagraphmaybeincreasedby
onehalf.

Article207Penaltiesforcontraventionsshallbeconcurrentinallcases.

Article208Additionalpenaltiesandprecautionarymeasuresshallbeconsecutive,evenifthe
primarypenaltiesrunconcurrently,unlesstheJudgerulesotherwise.

Iftheprimarypenaltiesareconsecutive,theaccessorypenaltiesshallbeconsecutiveipsojure.

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[Articles210to236]

ChapterIV
Responsibility

PartI
Responsiblepersons

SectionI
Theperpetratoroftheoffence

Article 210 No one shall be sentenced to a penalty unless he consciously and willingly
committedtheact.

Legal persons shall be criminally responsible for the activities of their directors, management
staff, representatives and employees when such activities are undertaken on behalf of or using the
meansofsuchlegalpersons.

Theymaybesentencedonlytoafine,confiscationandpublicationofthejudgement.

Ifthelawprovidesforaprimarypenaltyotherthanafine,thatpenaltyshallreplacethefineand
shallbeimposedonthelegalpersonswithinthelimitssetbyArticles53,60and63.

Article211Noprecautionarymeasureshallbeimposedunlesspublicsafetyisendangered.

Precautionary measures shall be imposed after ascertainment of the existence of a state of


danger,exceptwherethelawpresumesthatastateofdangerexists.

Anaturalorlegalpersonwhohascommittedanoffenceshallbedeemedtoconstituteadanger
tosocietyifitisfearedthatthepersonwillcommitotheractsthatarepunishablebylaw.

Legal persons shall not be subject to precautionary measures other than those pertaining to
property.

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SectionII
Criminalcomplicity

Subsection1Theperpetrator

Article 212 The perpetrator of an offence is anyone who brings into being the constituent
elementsofanoffenceorwhocontributesdirectlytoitscommission.

Article213Anaccomplicetoanoffenceshallbeliabletothepenaltyprescribedbylawforthe
offence.

Aheavierpenalty,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle257oftheCriminalCode,shallbe
applicable to anyone who organizes the commission of an offence or directs the action of the
accomplices.

Article 214 Theoriginatoranddisseminatorofwordsorwritingshallbedeemedtobejoint


principals in an offence committed by words transmitted by mechanical means, in accordance with
Article209,paragraph2,orinanoffencecommittedbyoneofthemeansmentionedinparagraph3of
thesamearticle,unlesstheformerestablishesthatthedisseminationtookplacewithouthisconsent.

Article215Whenanoffenceiscommittedbythepress,themanagerofthepublication,orthe
editor or editorinchief of the newspaper if there is no manager, shall be deemed to be the
disseminator.

Article 216 The effects of material circumstances entailing aggravation or mitigation of or


exemption from the penalty shall be applicable to all accomplices and accessories to an offence. The
effectsof personalordoubleaggravating circumstances thatfacilitatedthe commission oftheoffence
shallalsobeapplicabletothem.

Theeffectofanyothercircumstanceshallbeapplicableonlytothepersontowhomitrelates.

Subsection2Theinstigator

Article217Anyonewhoinducesorseekstoinduceanotherpersontocommitanoffenceshall
bedeemedtobeaninstigator.

Theresponsibilityoftheinstigatorshallbeseparatefromthatofthepersoninducedtocommit
theoffence.

Article 218 The instigator shall be liable to the penalty for the offence that he wished to
commit,whethertheoffencewascompleted,attemptedorabortive.

If the incitement to commit a felony or misdemeanour was without consequence, the penalty
shallbecommutedinlinewithArticle220,paragraphs2,3and4.

Incitementtocommitacontraventionshallnotbepunishableifitdidnotmeetwithapositive
response.

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Precautionarymeasuresshallbeimposedontheinstigatorasthoughheweretheperpetratorof
theoffence.

Subsection3Accessoriesandconcealers

Article 219 Article 219 was amended by Article 11 of Legislative Decree No. 112 of 16
September1983,asfollows.

Thefollowingshallbedeemedtobeaccessoriestoafelonyormisdemeanour:
1. Anyonewhoissuesinstructionsforitscommission,evenifsuchinstructionsdonotfacilitate
theact;
2. Anyonewhohardenstheperpetrator'sresolvebyanymeans;
3. Anyonewho,formaterial ormoralgain,acceptstheperpetrator'sproposalthatheshould
committheoffence;
4. Anyonewhoaidsorabetstheperpetratorinactsthatarepreparatorytotheoffence;
5. Anyonewho,havingsoagreedwiththeperpetratororanaccessorybefore commissionof
the offence, helped to eliminate the traces, to conceal or dispose of items resulting there
from,ortoshieldoneormoreoftheparticipantsfromjustice;
6. Anyonewho,havingknowledgeofthehabitualcriminalconductofoffendersresponsiblefor
highwayrobberyoractsofviolenceagainststatesecurity,publicsafety,personsorproperty,
providesthemwithfood,shelter,arefugeorameetingplace.

Article 220 An accessory without whose assistance the offence would not have been
committedshallbepunishedasifhehimselfweretheperpetrator.

Allaccessoriesshallbepunishablebyhardlabourforlifeorbyfixedtermhardlabourfor10to
20yearsiftheperpetratorissentencedtodeath.

Iftheperpetratorissentencedtohardlabourforlifeorlifeimprisonment,accessoriesshallbe
sentencedtothesamepenaltyfor7to15years.

In other cases, they shall incur the same penalty as the perpetrator, with a reduction in its
durationofbetweenonesixthandonethird.

Precautionarymeasuresmaybeimposedonaccessoriesasthoughtheyweretheperpetratorsof
theoffence.

Article221ThefinestipulatedinArticle221wasamendedbyArticle11ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

Anyonewho,otherthaninthecaseprovidedforinArticle219,paragraph5,knowinglyconceals
or disposes of items belonging to a third party that were appropriated, embezzled or obtained by a
felonyormisdemeanourshallbe punishablebyatermofimprisonmentofthreemonthstotwoyears
andbyafineofbetween20,000and400,000Lebanesepounds.

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However,iftheitemsconcealedordisposedofaretheproductofamisdemeanour,thepenalty
maynotexceedtwothirdsoftheheaviestpenaltyforthemisdemeanour.

Article222Anyonewho,otherthaninthecasesprovidedforinArticle219,paragraphs5and
6,concealsapersonwhoheknowshascommittedafelonyorwhohelpssuchapersontoevadejustice
shallbepunishablebyatermofimprisonmentofthreemonthstotwoyears.

Theascendantsanddescendantsofconcealers,theirhusbandsorwives,includingdivorcees,and
theirbrothers,sistersandrelativesbymarriageofthesamedegreeshallbeexemptfromanypenalty.

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PartII
Impedimentstoprosecution

SectionI
Error

Subsection1Errorsoflaw

Article223Noonemaypleadignoranceofcriminallawormisinterpretationofitsprovisions.
Thefollowing,however,shallbedeemedtoconstituteanimpedimenttoconviction:
1. Ignoranceoramaterialerrorpertainingtoaciviloradministrativelawonwhichconviction
depends;
2. Ignoranceofanewlawiftheoffenceiscommittedwithinthreedaysofitspromulgation;
3. IgnoranceonthepartofaforeignerwhohasbeeninLebanonfornotmorethanthreedays
ofapositivelawoffencethatisnotpunishableunderthelawsofhiscountryorthelawsof
thecountryinwhichheresided.

Subsection2Errorsoffact

Article224Anyonewhoactedonthebasisofanerroroffactpertainingtooneoftheelements
of an offence shall not be punishable as a perpetrator or instigator of, or as an accessory to, an
intentionaloffence.

Iftheerrorrelatedtoanaggravatingcircumstance,heshallnotbeheldresponsibleforit.Onthe
contrary,heshallbenefitfromthegroundofexcusethathewasunawareofitsexistence.

Theseprovisionsshallbeapplicableinthecaseofmistakenidentityofthevictim.

Article225Anerrorpertainingtoanactconstitutinganunintentionaloffenceshallnotbean
impedimenttoprosecutionunlesstheerrorisnotattributabletoafaultonthepartoftheperpetrator.

Article226Apublicofficialoragovernmentagentoremployeewhoorderedorcarriedoutan
actconstitutinganoffenceshallnotbeliabletoprosecutionifhebelievedonaccountofanerroroffact
that he was obeying a lawful order from his superiors concerning matters within their field of
competencethatrequiredhiscompliance.

SectionII
Forcemajeure

Subsection1Compulsionandmoralduress

Article 227 Anyone who acts under irresistible physical or moral duress shall not be
prosecuted.Anyonewhofindshimselfinsuchcircumstancesthroughhisownfaultshallbeprosecuted,
wherenecessary,astheperpetratorofanunintentionaloffence.

Article 228 Reverential aweandstatesofemotionorpassionshallnotbeanimpedimentto


prosecution.

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If,however,theperpetratoroftheoffenceexceedsacceptableboundsinexercisingtherightof
selfdefence,heshallnotbeprosecutedifheactedundertheinfluenceofintenseemotionthatresulted
inlossofjudgementorselfcontrol.

Subsection2Stateofnecessity

Article 229 The perpetrator of an act that was necessary to defend himself or others, or his
own property or that of others against an imminent serious danger that he did not deliberately cause
shallnotbeprosecuted,providedthattheactwascommensuratewiththedanger.

Article230Anypersonwhoisrequiredbylawtoexposehimselftodangershallnotbedeemed
tobeinastateofnecessity.

SectionIII
Absenceofresponsibilityanddiminishedresponsibility

Subsection1Insanity

Article231Anypersoninastateofinsanitythatcauseshimtoloseawarenessorselfcontrol
shallbeexemptfromprosecution.

Article 232 Any person who is found to have committed an intentional felony or
misdemeanourpunishablebyatermofimprisonmentoftwoyearsandwhoisdeclarednotguiltydueto
mental incapacity shall be confined pursuant to a special clause of the acquittal judgement in a
supervisedfacility.

Ifthefelony isunintentionalorifthe penaltyincurredislessthantwoyearsofimprisonment,


the perpetrator shall be placed in confinement in a supervised facility if it is established that he is a
dangertopublicsafety.

Theconfinementshallcontinueuntilitisestablishedbyadecisionofthecourtthatorderedthe
confinementthatthepersonhasrecoveredhissanity.Onhisreleasefromconfinement,thepersonmay
beplacedundersupervision.

Subsection2Mentaldeficiency

Article 233 Any person who, at the time of the commission of an act, was suffering from a
genetic or acquired mental disorder resulting in diminished awareness or freedom of choice shall be
legallyentitledtoasubstitutepenaltyorcommutationofthepenaltyfortheact,inaccordancewiththe
provisionsofArticle251.

Article 234 Any person sentenced to deprivation or restriction of liberty for a felony or
misdemeanour who, on account of a mental disorder, benefited from a substitute penalty or
commutation of the penalty, and any person sentenced to such a penalty who is a recognized
psychopath, drug addict or alcoholic and constitutes a danger to public safety, shall be placed in
confinement in a supervised facility, pursuant to a clause in the judgement, for treatment during the
termofhissentence.

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Aconvictedpersonwhoisreleasedfromasupervisedfacilityonascertainmentofhisrecoveryby
thecourtthatorderedhisconfinementshallservetheremainingtermofhissentenceinthefacility.

If,afterhehasservedhissentence,theconvictedpersonremainsadangertopublicsafety,he
shall be retained in the supervised facility, pursuant to a decision of the same court, for a period not
exceeding five years if he was convicted of a felony and of two years if he was convicted of a
misdemeanour.Heshallbereleasedfromconfinementbeforethespecifiedtermexpiresifasubsequent
decisionascertainsthathenolongerpresentsadanger.

Theconfinedpersonmaybeplacedundersupervisiononrelease.

Subsection3Intoxicationanddrugaddiction

Article 235 Any person who, when committing an act, was fortuitously or owing to force
majeureinastateofintoxicationfromalcoholordrugsthatcausedhimtoloseawarenessorselfcontrol
shallbeexemptfromprosecution.

If the state of intoxication was due to a fault on the part of the perpetrator, he shall be held
responsibleforanyunintentionaloffencecommitted.

He shall be held responsible for an intentional offence if he was aware, when he fell into that
statethroughhisownfault,ofthepossibilitythathewouldcommitcriminalacts.

Ifhedeliberatelyallowedhimselftofallintothatstatewiththeaimofcommittingtheoffence,
hispenaltyshallbeincreasedinaccordancewithArticle257.

Article236Iftheawarenessorselfcontroloftheperpetratorisgreatlydiminishedbyastate
of intoxication produced by force majeure or fortuitously, a substitute or commuted penalty may be
imposedpursuanttoArticle251.

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[Article240]

Article240ForthepurposesofthisCode,achildmeansanyonefromtheageof7totheageof12.

Anadolescentmeansanyonefromtheageof12totheageof15.
Aminormeansanyonefromtheageof15totheageof18.

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[Articles249to250]

PartIII
Groundsforexemptionfrompenalty
orformitigationoraggravationofpenalty

SectionI
Groundsofexcuse

Subsection1Statutorygroundsforexemptionfrompunishment

Article249Anoffencemaybeexcusedonlyincasesestablishedbylaw.

Article 250 Where a statutory ground exists, an offender shall be exempted from all
punishment.

Wherenecessaryhowever,rehabilitativeandprecautionarymeasuresotherthanconfinementin
isolationmaybeimposed.

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[Articles253to272]

SectionII
Extenuatingcircumstances

Article253Article253wasamendedbyArticle25oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:
Ifthereareextenuatingcircumstancesinacase,thecourtshalldecide:
Toreplacethedeathpenaltywithhardlabourforlifeorfixedtermhardlabourfor7to20years;
Toreplacehardlabourforlifewithfixedtermhardlabourfornotlessthanfiveyears;

Toreplacelifeimprisonmentwithfixedtermimprisonmentfornotlessthanfiveyears.

It may decide to reduce to three years any other criminal penalty in respect of which the
minimumpenaltyexceedsthreeyears,toreducebyonehalfapenaltyinrespectofwhichtheminimum
penalty does not exceed three years or, by a reasoned decision, to replace it with imprisonment of at
leastoneyear,exceptinthecaseofrecidivism.

Article 254 Where a court accepts extenuating circumstances in favour of a person who has
committedamisdemeanour,itmayreducethepenaltytotheminimumlaiddowninArticles51,52and
53.

It may replace imprisonment and compulsory residence with a fine or, except in the case of
recidivism,itmayconvertapenaltyforamisdemeanourintoapenaltyforacontraventionbyareasoned
decision.

Article255TheminimumpenaltylaiddowninArticles60and61,orafine,maybeimposedon
a person who committed a contravention in respect of which extenuating circumstances have been
foundtoexist.

Article 256 In the case of recidivism, a decision granting extenuating circumstances must be
explicitlyreasoned,regardlessofwhethertheoffenceisafelony,amisdemeanouroracontravention.

SectionIII
Aggravatingcircumstances

Subsection1Aggravatingcircumstancesingeneral

Article 257 If the law does not specify the effect of an aggravating circumstance, the
circumstanceshallentailthefollowingincreasesinpenalties:

The death penalty shall be replaced with hard labour for life; a fixedterm penalty shall be
increasedbyonethirdtoonehalf;andafineshallbedoubled.

Subsection2Recidivism

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Article258Article258wasamendedbyArticle26oftheActof5February1948,asfollows:

Anypersonsentencedtohardlabourforlifebyafinaljudgementwhocommitsanotherfelony
carryingthesamepenaltyshallbesentencedtodeath.

Anypersonsentencedtofixedtermhardlabourorfixedtermextendedimprisonmentwho,less
than15yearsbeforethesentenceisservedortimebarred,commitsanotherfelonycarryingthesame
penalty shall be sentenced to the due penalty with the addition of an equivalent term. The maximum
termofthepenaltymay,ifnecessary,bedoubled,i.e.to30years.

Ifthesentenceforthesecondoffenceisbanishment,compulsoryresidenceorlossofcivilrights,
theperpetratorshallbesentencedtothepenaltyrankedonedegreehigherinaccordancewithArticle
38.

Article259Anypersonsentencedforafelonyormisdemeanourinafinaljudgementwho,less
than seven years before the sentence is served or timebarred, commits a felony or misdemeanour
punishablebyimprisonmentshallbeliabletouptodoublethemaximumpenaltyprescribedbylaw.

Thesameshallapplyifthefirstsentenceimposedwasatleastoneyearofimprisonmentfora
misdemeanourofthesamecategoryasthesecond.

Ifthepreviouslyimposedpenaltywasforlessthanoneyear,therecidivistshallbesentencedto
atermofimprisonmentequivalenttoatleastdoublethepreviouspenalty,providedthatthisraisingof
theminimumdoesnotexceeddoublethepenaltyprescribedbylaw.

Ordinary imprisonment shall replace compulsory residence if the first sentence imposed a
penaltyforafelonyoramisdemeanourotherthanafine.

Afineshallbedoubledifitwasprecededbyanysentenceforamisdemeanour.Iftherecidivism
recurs,imprisonmentofuptothreemonthsmaybeorderedinconjunctionwiththefine.

Article260Themisdemeanourssetforthineachofthefollowingparagraphsshallbedeemed
toconstituteasinglecategoryforthepurposeofapplyingthepenaltiesforrecidivismlaiddowninthe
preceding Article, whether the person who committed them is a perpetrator, an instigator or an
accessory:
1. IntentionalmisdemeanoursprovidedforinasectionofthisCode;
2. Misdemeanoursinvolvingmoralturpitude(ChapterVII);
3. Intentionalmisdemeanoursagainstpersons(ChapterVIII);
4. Acts of physical violence and verbal abuse against individuals, persons exercising public
authorityorlawenforcementagencies;
5. Manslaughterorunintentionalinjuries;
6. Misdemeanourspertainingtothecategoryofdangerouspersons;
7. Intentionalmisdemeanoursagainstproperty;
8. Concealment of items resulting from a misdemeanour or concealment of the persons who
committedthemisdemeanour;
9. PoliticalmisdemeanoursormisdemeanoursdeemedtobepoliticalpursuanttoArticles196
and197;
10. Misdemeanourscommittedwithasingledishonourablemotive.
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Article261Theperpetratorofacontraventionwhoissentencedinafinaljudgmentwithinless
than one year for the same contravention or for any other contravention of the provisions of a single
statuteshallbepunishablebydoublethepenaltyprescribedbylaw.

Iftherecidivismrecurswithinthesameperiod,detentionmaybeorderedinconjunctionwitha
fineinallcasesinwhichprovisionismadeonlyforafine.

Subsection3Persistentoffending

Article 262 A persistent offender is a person whose criminal activity reflects an enduring
psychologicaldisposition,whetherinnateoracquired,tocommitfeloniesormisdemeanours.

Article263Anypersonwhoissentencedtoapenaltyotherthanafineforanintentionalfelony
or misdemeanour and who, within five years of his sentence being served or timebarred, incurs a
custodial sentence of at least one year for another intentional felony or misdemeanour shall be
sentencedtoconfinementinisolationifitisestablishedthatheisapersistentoffenderandadangerto
publicsafety.

Article 264 Any persistent offender sentenced to a penalty other than a fine pursuant to
Articles258and259shallipsojurebedeemedtoconstituteadangertopublicsafetyandshallbeplaced
inconfinementinisolationifheincursacustodialsentenceforanothercaseofrecidivism.

Thesameshallapplytoanypersistentoffenderwho,withinaperiodof15years,excludingtime
spentservingpenaltiesandprecautionarymeasures,incurs:

Either four sentences of imprisonment for felonies committed with a ground of excuse or for
intentional misdemeanours, provided that each of the last three offences was committed after the
judgementforthepreviousoffencebecamefinal;

Ortwosentencessuchasthosespecifiedintheprecedingparagraphandasentenceforafelony,
regardlessofwhetherthefelonyoccurredbeforeorafterthemisdemeanour.

Article265Anypersonsentencedtoconfinementinisolationwho,duringhisstayinprisonor
within five years of his release, commits an intentional felony or misdemeanour for which he incurs
imprisonmentofoneyearoraheavierpenaltyshallbepunishablebyatleastsevenyearsofconfinement
inisolation.

Commonprovisionsrelatingtotheprevioussubsections

Article 266 A sentence entailing loss of civil rights, a residence ban or deportation may be
imposedonanypersonascertainedtobeapersistentoffenderorsentencedasarecidivisttoacustodial
penaltyforamisdemeanour.

Article 267 Persistent offenders, recidivists and persons sentenced to compulsory residence,
imprisonment or a heavier penalty shall, on release, be placed under supervision for a period of five
years,unlesstheJudgedecidestoincreaseorreducetheperiod,toreplaceitwitharesidencebanorto
exempttheconvictedpersonfromsupervision.
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A residence ban ordered pursuant to Article 82, paragraphs 2 and 3, shall be enforced
concurrentlywithsupervisionfortheperiodimposedinrespectofthelatter.

Commonprovisionsrelatingtotheprevioussections

Article268Theprovisionsregardingcircumstancesaggravatingormitigatingthepenaltyshall
beapplicableinthefollowingorder:

Materialaggravatingcircumstances;

Groundsofexcuse;

Personalaggravatingcircumstances;

Extenuatingcircumstances.

Article 269 The Judge shall determine in the judgement the effect of each aggravating or
extenuatingcircumstanceonthepenaltyimposed.

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BookII
Offences

ChapterI

Offencesagainststatesecurity1

Article 270 Any agreement concluded between two or more persons to commit a felony by
specificmeansshallbetermedaconspiracy.

Article 271 Article271wasamendedbyparagraph19ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

An attack on state security is made whether the act constituting the offence is complete,
inchoateoranattempt.

Article272Anyonewhotakespartinaconspiracyagainststatesecurityandwhoreportsitto
theauthoritiesbeforethecommencementofanyactpreparatorytoitsexecutionshallbeexemptfrom
punishment.

Ifanactwascommittedorhadbegun,thegroundofexcuseshallonlyhaveamitigatingeffect.

Anoffenderwhoreportsaconspiracyoranotherfelonyagainststatesecuritytotheauthorities
beforeitscompletionorwhobringsaboutthearrestofotheroffendersorofpersonswhosehidingplace
is known to him even after the prosecution proceedings have begun shall also be entitled to
mitigation.

Theprovisionsofthisarticleshallnotapplytoaninstigator.

TheonlyarticleoftheActof1April1944stipulates:ContrarytotheprovisionsofArticle1ofLegislativeDecreeNo.340,the
provisionsofArticles270to349ofthenewPenalCodeenterintoforceuponthepublicationofthatAct.TheActof1April
1944waspublishedinOfficialGazetteNo.14/1944.

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[Articles314to316]

Subsection4Terrorism1

Article314Terroristactsareallactsdesignedtofomentterrorwhicharecommittedbymeans
suchasexplosivedevices,inflammablematerials,toxicorcorrosiveproductsandinfectiousormicrobial
agentsthatareliabletocreateapublicemergency.

Article 315 A conspiracy aimed at the commission of one or more acts of terrorism shall be
punishablebyfixedtermhardlabour.

Aterroristactshallcarryapenaltyofhardlabourforatleastfiveyears.

Itshallcarryapenaltyofhardlabourforlifeifitresultsinevenpartialdestructionofabuilding,
industrial establishment, vessel or other facility or in impediments to means of broadcasting,
communicationsandtransport.

Thedeathpenaltyshallbeimposediftheactleadstothedeathofapersonortothecomplete
orpartialdestructionofabuildinginwhichoneormorepersonsarepresent.

Article316Anyassociationestablishedwithaviewtoalteringtheeconomicorsocialstructure
oftheStateorthepoliticalcircumstancesofsocietybyanyofthemeansreferredtoinArticle314shall
bedissolvedanditsmembersshallbesentencedtohardlabourforlife.

Thepenaltyimposedonfoundersanddirectorsshallbenotlessthansevenyears.

The entitlement to exemption from or mitigation of punishment granted to conspirators


pursuanttoArticle272shallbeextendedtoincludeperpetratorsoftheabovementionedfelony.

Article316:bisArticle316biswasaddedtothePenalCodebyActNo.553of20October2003:

Anypersonwhofinancesorcontributestothefinancing,willfully,byanydirectorindirect
means,ofterrorism,terroristactsorterroristorganisations,shallbepunishedbyfixedtermhardlabour
ofbetweenthreeandsevenyearsandbyafinethatwouldnotbelessthanthepaidsumormorethan
threetimesthatsum.

Articles306to315exceptArticle314:Theirimplementationwastemporarilysuspendedandwerereplacedwithexceptional
textsdefinedbytheActof11January1958.

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[Articles335to339]

SectionIII
Unlawfulassociations

Subsection1Criminalassociations

Article 335 Article 335 was revoked by Article 14 of Legislative Decree No. 112 of 16
September1983,asfollows:

If two or more persons establish an association or enter into a written or oral agreement to
commitfeloniesagainstpersonsorproperty,ortounderminetheauthorityoftheState,itsprestigeor
itscivil,military,financialoreconomicinstitutions,theyshallbepunishablebyfixedtermhardlabour.
Thetermofthispenaltyshallbenotlessthan10yearsiftheoffenders'actsweredirectedagainstthe
livesofotherpersonsorthoseofemployeesofpublicinstitutionsandadministrations.

However, any person who reveals the existence of an association or agreement and divulges
suchinformationashepossessesregardingtheotheroffendersshallbeexemptfrompunishment.

Article336Membersofagroupofthreeormorepersonsoperatingonpublichighwaysandin
rural areas as an armed band with a view to robbing passersby, attacking persons or property, or
committing any other act of robbery, shall be liable to fixedterm hard labour for a minimum term of
sevenyears.

Theyshallbesentencedtohardlabourforlifeiftheycommittedoneoftheabovementioned
acts.

Thedeathpenaltyshallbeimposedonanymemberwho,inexecutingafelony,killsorattempts
tokillthevictimsorsubjectsthemtotortureoractsofbarbarity.

Subsection2Secretsocieties

Article 337 An association or group that has the status of a society shall be deemed to be
secretifitspurposeiscontrarytothelawandifitconductsallorsomeofitsactivitiescovertly.

Thesameassociationsandgroupsshallalsobedeemedtobesecretiftheirpurposehasbeen
foundtobecontrarytothelawandtheyfailtoinformtheauthorities,afterbeingrequestedtodoso,of
their statutes, the names of their members and the offices they hold, the subjects discussed at their
meetings,theirassetsandtheoriginoftheirresources,oriftheyprovidefalseorincompleteinformation
onsuchmatters.

Article338ThefinestipulatedinArticle338wasamendedbyArticle24ofAct239of27May
1993,asfollows:

Allsecretsocietiesshallbedissolvedandtheirassetsconfiscated.

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Anypersonwhoheldanadministrativeorexecutiveofficeinthesocietyshallbepunishableby
imprisonmentforatermofbetweensixmonthsandtwoyearsandbyafineofbetween100,000and1
millionLebanesepounds,andallothermembersbyonehalfofthesepenalties.

Article339Ifamemberofasecretsocietycommitsanoffenceintheinterestofthesociety,
any member who attended the meeting at which the offence was decided shall be deemed to be an
instigatorandshallincurthepenaltyimposedunderArticle218.

Amemberwhowaspresentatthesceneoftheoffencewhenitwascommittedshallbetreated
asanaccessoryandreceivethecorrespondingpenaltyimposedunderArticle220.

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[Articles398to400]

ChapterIV
Offencesagainsttheadministrationofjustice

SectionI
Offencespervertingthecourseofjustice

Subsection1Concealmentoffeloniesandmisdemeanours

Article 398 Any Lebanese citizen who knew of a felony against state security and failed to
report the matter at once to the public authorities shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term of
betweenoneandthreeyearsandbylossofhiscivilrights.

Article399ThefinestipulatedinArticle399wasamendedbyArticle40ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

Anypublicofficialtaskedwiththeinvestigationorprosecutionofoffenceswhofailstoreportor
delaysreportinganoffencethatcomestohisknowledgeshallbepunishablebyimprisonmentforaterm
ofbetweenonemonthandthreeyearsandbyafineofbetween20,000and200,000Lebanesepounds.

Anypublicofficialwhofailstoinformordelaysinformingthecompetentauthorityofafelonyor
amisdemeanourthatcomestohisknowledgeduringorinconnectionwiththeperformanceofhisduties
shallbepunishablebytheaforementionedfine.

The foregoing provisions shall be applicable unless prosecution of the unreported offence
dependsonthefilingofanindividualcomplaint.

Article 400 Any person who, while practising a healthcare profession, assists a person who
appears to have been the victim of a felony or a misdemeanour that may be prosecuted without the
filingofacomplaint,andwhodoesnotreportthemattertotheauthorities,shallbepunishablebythe
finestipulatedintheprecedingArticle.

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[Articles547to550]

ChapterVIII
Feloniesandmisdemeanoursagainstpersons

SectionI
Feloniesandmisdemeanoursagainsthumanlifeandphysicalintegrity

Subsection1Intentionalhomicide

1
Article547 Anyonewhointentionallykillsanotherpersonshallbepunishablebyhardlabour
foratermofbetween15and20years.

Article 5481 Article548wasamendedbyArticle3oftheActof24May1949andLegislative


DecreeNo.110of30June1977,asfollows:

Intentionalhomicideshallbepunishedbyhardlabourforlifeifitwascommitted:
1. Forabasemotive;
2. Toobtainabenefitresultingfromamisdemeanour;
3. ThisparagraphwasrevokedbyLegislativeDecreeNo.110of30June1977andreplacedwith
thefollowingtextbyArticle32ofLegislativeDecreeNo.112of16September1983;

Throughmistreatmentofthecorpsebythecriminalafterthehomicide.
4. Againstaminorunder15yearsofage;
5. Againsttwoormorepersons.

Article549Article549wasamendedbyArticles3and4oftheActof24May1949;Article1of
theActof9January1951modifiedArticle4oftheActof24May1949:

Intentional homicide shall entail the death penalty if it was committed in the following
circumstances:
1. Withpremeditation;
2. To prepare for, facilitate or execute a felony or misdemeanour, to facilitate the escape of
instigatorsorperpetratorsof,oraccessoriesto,suchafelonyortoprecludetheirpunishment;
3. Againstanascendantordescendantoftheoffender;
4. Iftheoffendercommittedactsoftortureorcrueltyagainstpersons;

TheapplicationoftheprovisionsofArticles547and548hasbeensuspendedbytheActof16February1959whichstipulates
asfollows:
Article1:TheapplicationoftheprovisionsofArticles547and548ofthePenalCodeshallbetemporarilysuspendedand
replacedwiththefollowingprovisions:
Article2:Anyonewhokillsapersonintentionallyshallbesentencedtodeath.
Article3:TheperpetratoroftheoffencestipulatedinthepreviousarticleandinArticle549ofthePenalCodeshallnotbe
grantedmitigatingcircumstances.
Article4:Theprovisionsofthislawshallnotapplytothesecurityforcesduringtheperformanceoftheirduties,andtheyshall
remainsubjecttotheprovisionsoftheordinarylaw.
ThisActwasrepealedbyActNo.26of18May1965.
ByActNo.302of21March1994,Articles547and548weresuspendedagain.
However,botharticleswerereinstatedaftertherepealofActNo.302/1994byArticle1ofActNo.338of2August2001.

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ThefollowingparagraphwasaddedtoArticle549byLegislativeDecreeNo.110of30September
1983:
5. Againstapublicofficialduring,inconnectionwithoronaccountoftheperformanceofhis
duties;

The following paragraphs were added to Article 549 by Legislative Decree No. 112 of 16 June
1977:
6. Against a person on account of his religious affiliation or as an act of revenge for a felony
committedbyanothermemberofhisreligiousdenomination,hisrelativesormembersofhis
party;
7. Usingexplosivematerials;
8. Tofacilitateflightfromafelonyormisdemeanourortoconcealtracesthereof.

Article 550 Anyone who causes the death of a person through beatings, violence, assault or
anyotherintentionalactwithoutintendingtokillhimshallbepunishablebyhardlabourforatermofat
leastfiveyears.

The penalty shall be not less than seven years if the act was associated with one of the
circumstancesmentionedintheprecedingtwoArticles.

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[Articles554to559]

Subsection2Personalinjuries

Article554ThefinestipulatedinArticle554wasamendedbyArticle80ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

Anyonewhodeliberatelystrikes,woundsorotherwiseinjuresapersonwho,asaconsequence
ofsuchacts,suffersillnessorincapacityforworkforaperiodnotexceeding10daysshall,onthebasisof
acomplaintfiledbythevictim,bepunishablebyimprisonmentforamaximumtermofsixmonths,orby
imprisonmentforacontraventionandafineofbetween10,000and50,000Lebanesepounds,orbyone
ofthesepenalties.

Renunciation by the complainant shall extinguish the public prosecution and the effect on the
penaltyshallbethesameasthatofapardonbythecivilparty.

Article555ThefinestipulatedinArticle555wasamendedbyArticle81ofActNo.239of27
May1993,asfollows:

Iftheinjuryresultsinillnessorincapacityforworkforaperiodexceeding10days,theoffender
shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and by a maximum fine of
100,000Lebanesepounds,orbyoneofthesepenalties.

Ifthecomplainantwithdrawshisclaim,thepenaltyshallbehalved.

Article556Iftheillnessorincapacityforworkexceeds20days,apenaltyofimprisonmentfor
atermofbetweenthreemonthsandthreeyearsshallbeimposedinadditiontotheabovementioned
fine.

Article 557 Article557wasamendedbyparagraph34ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

Iftheactleadstotheruptureorremovalofanorganortheamputationofalimborthefailure
ofeithertofunctionortograveimpairmentofoneofthesenses,orifitcausesaseriousdeformityor
any other permanent disability or apparent permanent disability, the offender shall be punishable by
fixedtermhardlabourforamaximumtermof10years.

Article 558 Article558wasamendedbyparagraph35ofArticle51ofLegislativeDecreeNo.


112of16September1983,asfollows:

Any person who, through one of the acts described in Article 554, causes a pregnant woman
whomheknowstobepregnanttoabortshallincurthesamepenalty.

Article 559 Thepenaltiesprescribedinthissubsectionshall be increasedin accordance with


theprovisionsofArticle257iftheactisperpetratedinoneofthecircumstancesmentionedinArticles
548and549.

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