Karistusseadustik

Karistusseadustik is the primary statute governing criminal law in Estonia. It defines what constitutes a crime, the elements of offenses, and the range of penalties that may be imposed. The code is typically organized into a general part, which sets out principles of criminal liability, mental states, and rules of assessment, and a special part, which lists individual crimes such as homicide, assault, theft, fraud, drug offenses, and corruption, together with their corresponding penalties.

Criminal liability under Karistusseadustik applies to persons who commit offenses. The code also contains provisions on the age of responsibility for youths and on certain exceptional measures in specific cases. It specifies the types of penalties available, including deprivation of liberty (imprisonment), community service, pecuniary penalties, and suspended sentences, as well as other court-ordered measures. The code provides rules on aggravating circumstances, exemptions, and the procedures for determining guilt and determining appropriate sentences within the criminal justice process.

Karistusseadustik forms part of Estonia’s broader criminal law framework and operates in conjunction with the Code of Criminal Procedure, which governs investigations, prosecutions, and trials. Its provisions are also influenced by international and European Union law, which affect its interpretation and application.

The code has undergone numerous amendments since its adoption in the early 2000s to reflect changes in social norms, EU requirements, and national policy directions. It remains subject to ongoing revision by the Riigikogu to address emerging legal and societal needs.