Kriminaalmenetlusõigus

Kriminaalmenetlusõigus, also known as criminal procedure law, is a branch of law that governs the process by which criminal offenses are investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated. It establishes the rules and procedures that law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts must follow from the initial suspicion of a crime to the final resolution of a case. This body of law is crucial for ensuring a fair and just legal system, balancing the state's interest in punishing crime with the rights of the accused.

Key aspects of kriminaalmenetlusõigus include the rights of suspects and defendants, such as the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the presumption of innocence. It also outlines the powers of law enforcement to conduct searches, make arrests, and gather evidence, subject to legal limitations and judicial oversight. The process typically involves preliminary investigations, indictment, trial proceedings, sentencing, and appeals. The rules of evidence, which dictate what information can be presented in court and how it must be obtained, are a fundamental part of criminal procedure. The overarching goal is to ensure that criminal proceedings are conducted in a lawful, transparent, and equitable manner, protecting both public safety and individual liberties.