Which term indicates an action that is permitted at discretion within the Criminal Code?

The term that indicates an action permitted at discretion within the Criminal Code is "may." This term conveys a sense of allowance or possibility, meaning that the action can be taken if deemed appropriate, but it is not mandatory. In legal contexts, using "may" provides flexibility and implies that the decision to act rests with the individual or authority, thus differentiating it from terms that enforce obligation.

The other options convey different meanings: "shall" imposes an obligation or duty, indicating that something must be done without discretion. "Forthwith" and "immediately" suggest urgency and promptness in action rather than discretionary power. This distinction in wording is crucial for understanding how laws are applied and interpreted.