NCJ Number
131129
Date Published
1987
Length
118 pages
Annotation
This is the penal code of Bulgaria as amended through 1986. The "General Part" of the code first defines the purpose and limits of the effectiveness of the code.
Abstract
The purpose of the code is stated to be the protection against criminal encroachments of the social and State system, the person and rights of citizens, the socialist economic system, and socialist ownership and the whole socialist legal order. The code is also intended to educate citizens in the observance of the rules of the socialist community. Another chapter of the General Part defines the general nature of a criminal act including preparation and attempt, complicity, and the cumulation of crimes. Penally responsible persons are distinguished by age and capacity to understand the nature of the act. Punishment is indicated to be educative and rehabilitative rather than vengeful or debasing. A broad range of punishments are listed. The use of capital punishment is limited to adults who have committed crimes so grave that a lighter sentence is not appropriate. Other chapters in the General Part address the determination of punishment, special rules for the underaged, release from serving an imposed sentence, release from penal responsibility, rehabilitation, and compulsory medical measures. The "Special Part" of the code defines specific crimes. Offenses are in the broad categories of crimes against the People's Republic; against the person; against citizens' rights; against marriage, the family, and youth; against socialist property; against the socialist economy; against personal property; and against public order and peace; universally dangerous crimes; crimes against the defensive capacity of the State; and military crimes. Explanations of terms in the footnotes are included.