õigusrikku

Õigusrikkumine is an Estonian legal term that translates to "offence" or "infringement of law." It encompasses a broad category of actions that violate legal norms. In Estonian law, õigusrikkumine is typically divided into two main types: kriminaalõigusrikkumine (criminal offence) and väärtegu (misdemeanour or administrative offence).

A kriminaalõigusrikkumine, or criminal offence, is a more serious violation of law that is punishable by criminal sanctions, such as imprisonment, fines, or community service, as defined by the Criminal Code. These acts are considered to be harmful to society as a whole and are prosecuted by the state. Examples include theft, assault, and fraud.

A väärtegu, on the other hand, is a less serious violation of law, typically dealt with under administrative law. While still a breach of legal rules, the consequences are generally less severe, often involving fines or warnings, as outlined in the Code of Misdemeanours. These offences are often related to public order, traffic violations, or minor infringements of regulations. The distinction between a criminal offence and a misdemeanour is crucial in determining the appropriate legal proceedings and penalties.