Straffelov

Straffelov is the Danish term for the penal code, the central body of substantive criminal law in Denmark. It codifies which acts are criminal, defines the elements of offences, and prescribes the penalties that courts may impose. The code provides the framework for determining criminal liability and guiding how crimes are prosecuted and punished.

The structure of Straffelov typically includes general provisions and specific offenses. The general part sets out fundamental principles such as the requirement of culpability, the legality principle (no one can be punished without a law governing the conduct), proportionality of punishment, and rules on liability for attempts and complicity. It also delineates the range of penalties and the conditions for various sanctions, such as imprisonment, fines, conditional sentences, community service, and deprivation of rights.

The specific offenses section defines a wide array of crimes, covering areas such as violence, theft and other property crimes, fraud, drug offenses, homicide, sexual offenses, and offenses against the state or public order. Each offence includes its elements and the corresponding penalties.

Straffelov operates in conjunction with procedural rules found in related law, notably the Retsplejeloven (Administration of Justice Act), which governs how criminal cases are investigated, tried, and adjudicated. The code generally applies to acts committed within Danish territory, with selective extraterritorial application in certain circumstances.

Historically, the Straffelov has been amended many times to reflect social changes, advances in technology, and evolving international cooperation, while maintaining core principles of criminal liability and punishment.