Are you aware of the differences in criminal laws when it comes to many countries around the world? If not, don't worry. This post will help take you through some differences that will astound you! Just sit tight and read on.
Differences in Judicial Systems
First and foremost, the major differences between criminal law in various countries stem from their different judicial systems. Some countries like the USA follow the Common Law system which follows the precedent cases where the law is based on previous rulings by judges. Meanwhile, others like Japan and Germany follow the Civil Law system which is based on written laws passed by the legislature. In the Civil Law system countries, statutes and codes are the primary sources of law, unlike in Common Law systems where law-making is based on judicial precedents.
Punishment for Crimes
Another major difference between criminal law practices around the world is the level of punishment. While some countries are known for strict implementation of punishment, others are more lenient in their approach. Death Penalty, for example, is still very much legal in countries like China and the United States, unlike in European countries where it has been fully abolished. Similarly, some middle eastern countries enforce a legal system based on sharia law, which can also differ from country to country.
Legal Definition of Crimes
The legal definition of crimes also varies significantly around the world. In Latin America countries like Colombia and Brazil, homicide is classified into several degrees based on the act's intent, while in English Law, intent holds less importance. Non-criminal acts like illegal parking and smoking in public can also be considered criminal in some countries while others only see them as civil misdemeanors.
Age Limit
The age limit of criminal responsibility also varies around the world. In some countries, the age limit can be as low as 10 (like in Nigeria and Ghana) while in others, the age limit is set at 18 (like in the United States). Many European nations have reformed their laws over the past 20 years, raising the national age from what was once under 10 to 14 or 16.
Role of State
Lastly, the role of the state in upholding justice in criminal cases also varies around the world. Countries with a higher HDI (Human Development Index) typically have a stronger legal system, though it's not always the case. Conversely, some governments tend towards corruption and the legal system can be inefficient. In some countries, criminal cases can drag on for years without any fruitful result.
So there you have it, a quick overview of Criminal Law differences in many countries. We hope you found this post insightful. As you've seen, not only do legal practices vary from country to country but also their sentencing, legal definitions, age limits of criminal responsibility, and more. These differences make it all the more interesting to delve deeper into the subject to get a better understanding of the complexities of this vast subject. As always, let us know what you think in the comments below and share this with anyone who might find it helpful!
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