# KRS § 500.020: 500.020 Offenses defined by statute -- Common law abolished

> Kentucky · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.020

## Section

- **Citation:** KRS § 500.020
- **Heading:** 500.020 Offenses defined by statute -- Common law abolished
- **Jurisdiction:** Kentucky
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** KY Code / Title L / Chapter 500 / Section 500.020

## Text

500.020 Offenses defined by statute -- Common law abolished.

(1) Common law offenses are abolished and no act or omission shall constitute a

criminal offense unless designated a crime or violation under this code or another

statute of this state.

(2) This provision shall not affect the power of a court to punish for contempt or to

employ any sanction authorized by law for the enforcement of an order or a civil

judgment or decree.

## Nearby sections

- [KRS § 500.010 500.010 Title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.010.md)
- [KRS § 500.020 500.020 Offenses defined by statute -- Common law abolished](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.020.md)
- [KRS § 500.030 500.030 Rule of construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.030.md)
- [KRS § 500.040 500.040 Restrictions on applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.040.md)
- [KRS § 500.050 500.050 Time limitations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.050.md)
- [KRS § 500.060 500.060 Territorial applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.060.md)
- [KRS § 500.070 500.070 Burden of proof -- Defenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.070.md)
- [KRS § 500.080 500.080 Definitions for Kentucky Penal Code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.080.md)
- [KRS § 500.090 500.090 Forfeiture](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.090.md)
- [KRS § 500.092 500.092 Forfeiture of personal property not used as a residence triggered by violation or attempted violation of certain offenses -- Forfeiture of real and personal property associated with violation or attempted violation of KRS 531.310 or 531.320](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.092.md)
- [KRS § 500.093 500.093 Prohibition against court or law enforcement agency retaining firearms or ammunition to prevent their transfer or sale](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.093.md)
- [KRS § 500.095 500.095 Alternative sentence of community work](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.095.md)
- [KRS § 500.100 500.100 Effect of commentary](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.100.md)
- [KRS § 500.110 500.110 Trial of prisoner on untried indictment within 180 days after prisoner's request for final disposition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.110.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_TL_C500_S500.020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.