Definition of Special Complex Crime

A Special Complex Crime is a specific type of crime composed of two or more offenses that the law treats as a single, unique, and indivisible offense. These crimes involve a combination of offenses, often affecting different juridical interests, which are merged by law into one distinct crime.

Nature and Characteristics

Special Complex Crimes are characterized by the imposition of a single criminal penalty for the combined acts. The law specifically defines these combinations and provides a particular penalty for them. For example, robbery with homicide is a Special Complex Crime. In such instances, the accessory offense, like homicide, may not be strictly necessary for the accomplishment of the principal offense, such as robbery.

Distinction from Article 48 Complex/Compound Crimes

Special Complex Crimes are distinct from the complex or compound crimes governed by Article 48 of the Revised Penal Code. While crimes under Article 48 may involve a single act resulting in two or more grave felonies (compound crime) or an offense committed as a necessary means to commit another (complex crime proper), Article 48 does not apply to Special Complex Crimes. Despite being composed of multiple offenses, Special Complex Crimes are considered one crime for which only a single criminal liability is imposed, as provided by specific legal definitions, not the rules of Article 48.