The Hungarian Republic is administratively divided into 19 counties plus the capital, Budapest. The political administration is centralized and has jurisdiction over the local governments. The courts are an independent unit, consistent with the theory of the separation of powers. The Parliament elects the President of the Supreme Court. Prosecution originates in a self-contained agency, independent of the government. The prosecution agency, customs police, border guards, and the investigating agency of the army can conduct investigations in other legally specified areas. Local police branches operate independently of the local governments. The judicial system is organized according to the 19 administrative counties plus Budapest. Each county has its own court. Hungarian law is derived from the Roman-Germanic family of law and is similar to German-Austrian law in the areas of criminal law and criminal proceedings. Existing codes have been significantly modified to meet the requirements of the European Human Rights Convention and the requirements of a constitutional state. One section of this report focuses on crime in Hungary, including the classification of crimes and crime statistics. A section on crime victims addresses groups most victimized by crime, victims' assistance agencies, the role of victims in prosecution and sentencing, and victims' rights legislation. A section on police discusses administration and organization, resources, technology, training and qualifications, discretion, and accountability. Other sections consider the prosecutorial and judicial process, the judicial system, penalties and sentencing, prisons, and extradition and treaties. 8 references
World Factbook of Criminal Justice Systems: Hungary
NCJ Number
169645
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report provides information and statistics on Hungary's criminal justice system, including its police, courts, and corrections.
Abstract