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76-1-104. Purposes and principles of construction.
The provisions of this code shall be construed in accordance with these general purposes.

  • (1) Forbid and prevent the commission of offenses.
  • (2) Define adequately the conduct and mental state which constitute each offense and safeguard conduct that is without fault from condemnation as criminal.
  • (3) Prescribe penalties which are proportionate to the seriousness of offenses and which permit recognition or differences in rehabilitation possibilities among individual offenders.
  • (4) Prevent arbitrary or oppressive treatment of persons accused or convicted of offenses.

Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session