NCJ Number
189274
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 226-245
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article examines the current Romanian criminal justice system.
Abstract
In 1989, Romanian freedom fighters liberated the nation from an oppressive dictatorship. Romania is charting a new course to expanding democracy and a market economy in Eastern Europe. Romanian criminal law embraces the traditional European view with its recognition of a crime as a culpable act or harm punished by law. The criminal code distinguishes crimes according to gravity as either simple or serious crime. Simple crimes include acts of negligence. Serious crimes are those which pose a much greater social harm. According to the criminal code, the primary purpose of punishment is to prevent other crimes. Moreover, the code also authorizes specific measures to protect society rather than simply to punish offenders. Romania has a centralized national police force under the control of the Ministry of Interior. The police are organized along administrative and territorial lines and with reference to both specific economic sectors (such as rail, air, and maritime transport) and certain economic and social units as may be required. The General Police Inspectorate, commanded by an inspector general, directs and controls all police activity in Romania. Prisons tend to be old and somewhat primitive by Western standards. The punishment system for minors in Romania includes both punishments and educational measures. The current period of transition and reform provides an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives for the Romanian government. 30 references.