This is volume 1 of a 4-volume comparative study of criminal codes in 21 Latin American countries. Introductory sections give background on penal codes of all 21 Latin American countries, as well as explanations and interpretations of various juridical terms and concepts as represented in their codes. Motive and intent in the commission of a criminal act, subjective and normative elements of the law, and extenuating circumstances (e.g., self-defense, defense of one's property or protection of others threatened with bodily harm) are among the concepts explained. A discussion of penal sanctions, including the death penalty, incarceration, different security levels in corrections, alternatives to institutionalization, civil suits, and applications of the statute of limitations follows. Most of the volume presents the criminal codes of the six countries with no interpretation or comment. For the remaining volumes, see NCJ 73451-53.