What are written codes that define criminal acts and stipulate the punishment for those crimes called?

The correct answer is statutes, which are formal laws enacted by a legislative body at the local, state, or federal level. Statutes outline specific criminal acts and the corresponding punishments for those acts, providing a clear legal framework for what constitutes a crime and the penalties that offenders may face. They are essential for maintaining order and establishing justice within society.

Statutes are distinct from other terms such as policies, which are broader guidelines or principles that govern decisions within an organization or system but do not have the force of law. Regulations are rules made by governmental agencies based on statutes, intended to provide detailed guidelines for the application of those laws. Ordinances, on the other hand, are laws enacted by local governments that apply to specific municipalities or counties and generally address local issues rather than establishing broader criminal laws.