NCJ Number
130471
Editor(s)
E M Wise
Date Published
1987
Length
195 pages
Annotation
After an introduction that outlines the history, organization, and contents of Finland's Penal Code, this book presents an English translation of the code along with related laws.
Abstract
The code, enacted in 1889 and amended through 1986, contains 44 chapters. The first eight chapters present general provisions applicable to criminal law. They cover the territorial application of the criminal law, punishments, grounds for removing or diminishing the punishability of an act, attempt, participation, the measurement of sentences, the plurality of offenses and the combining of punishments, and the statute of limitations. The remaining chapters describe the offenses and punishments in various offense categories. Finnish law distinguishes between "offenses" and "violations." A "violation" is an act for which, in the circumstances, no more than a fine or imprisonment for 6 months is set, or which constitutes only a violation of a municipal ordinance. Criminal responsibility requires criminal intent, such that mental defects and temporary loss of the possession of rational faculties are not criminally liable. Finnish law recognizes varying degrees of guilt and does not generally define attempts as offenses. The code emphasizes uniformity in punishment rather than individualization, although aggravating and mitigating factors are encompassed in the code. Standard punishments are the day fine and imprisonment. Finland does not have a system of juvenile courts, although the larger city courts have departments that deal primarily with offenses committed by those between the ages of 15 and 21. Four laws related to the code are included.