Karistusseadustikul

Karistusseadustik, commonly referred to as the Estonian Penal Code, is the primary source of substantive criminal law in Estonia. It defines offenses that are criminally punishable and prescribes the range of penalties that may be imposed upon conviction. The code establishes the framework for criminal liability, the classification of crimes, and the interpretation and application of criminal norms by courts and other authorities.

The code is divided into a general part and a special part. The general part sets out the principles of criminal liability, the elements of a crime, mental states such as intent and negligence, forms of participation, defenses, and rules for assessing age of criminal responsibility and capacity. The special part lists individual offenses and their corresponding sanctions, organized by categories such as offenses against persons, property, public order, and economic activities.

Application and interpretation of the Karistusseadustik cover acts committed within Estonia's jurisdiction and, in applicable situations, acts with connection to Estonian residents or interests. The code serves as the core of substantive criminal law and guides prosecutors, judges, and law-enforcement authorities in determining guilt, assessing circumstances, and selecting appropriate penalties. It operates under the framework of the Constitution and is subject to international treaties and European Union law as Estonia integrates its criminal justice system with international standards.

History and reforms: the Penal Code was adopted in the early 2000s as part of Estonia’s post-Soviet legal modernization and EU alignment, and it has been amended repeatedly to reflect evolving criminal policy, procedural developments, and international obligations.