Büntetügyek

Büntetügyek is a term used in Hungarian law to refer to criminal cases involving alleged criminal acts and processed under the criminal procedure. In standard spelling, the common form is büntetőügyek, but büntetügyek is the form requested here and is understood as referring to the same category of cases. The word combines büntető, meaning punitive or criminal, with ügy, meaning case or matter.

Scope and purpose: büntetügyek cover acts that are defined as crimes or offenses under Hungarian law and are pursued by the state. They range from serious offenses to lesser crimes and are handled within the framework of the national criminal procedure to determine guilt and impose sanctions where warranted.

Process overview: a büntetügy typically begins with notification or report, followed by investigation (nyomozás) conducted by police or other investigative authorities in coordination with the public prosecutor’s office (ügyészség). If evidence supporting culpability is established, the prosecutor files an indictment, and the case proceeds to a courtroom. In court, the defendant has the right to defend themselves, present evidence, and be represented by counsel. The court then issues a judgment (ítélet), which may convict or acquit and may impose penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or other sanctions. Appeals to higher courts are possible for both sides.

Participants and rights: key participants include the defendant, defense counsel, the prosecutor, the judge, witnesses, and experts; victims may participate as parties in certain stages. Fundamental rights in büntetügyek include presumption of innocence, the right to be informed of charges, the right to a fair defense, and the right to appeal.

See also: Code of Criminal Procedure, Criminal Code, Hungarian law.