Czech Government Sets Criminal Policy Priorities for Prosecutors

The Czech government has drawn up a set of "criminal policy priorities" and instructed Justice Minister Pavel Blažek...

The Czech government has drawn up a set of "criminal policy priorities" and instructed Justice Minister Pavel Tejc to present them to state prosecutors. Under the government resolution, the minister is to meet with Supreme Public Prosecutor Lenka Bradáčová so that she can relay the cabinet's position to the entire prosecution service.

"We cannot dictate to prosecutors or oblige them to act in a certain way in specific cases, but we can make them aware of what goals the government's criminal law policy is pursuing," Tejc said.

What the Focus Is On

According to the minister, particular attention should be paid to violent and sexual crime, domestic violence and animal cruelty. Prosecutors, Tejc noted, should take greater account of the impact of a crime on the victim — especially in cases where suspended sentences are handed down. It is precisely in such cases, he believes, that appeals should be considered appropriate.

At the same time, punishment for statements — even those that are controversial or unacceptable from society's point of view — should be applied "very carefully." The minister believes that cases involving self-defense should be handled more quickly.

Electronic Monitoring and the Prosecution's Role

Tejc believes parole should help reduce the risk of reoffending, and he said he would welcome wider use of court-ordered electronic monitoring.

The minister stressed that this is not about instructing prosecutors. "The government has tasked me with informing the Supreme Public Prosecutor — and through her, the prosecutors — of the government's priorities, and with asking her to take appropriate measures within her lawful powers," he explained.

According to Tejc, Bradáčová may issue methodological guidelines or a general directive. Where appropriate, the government's priorities should serve as a complement to, or an alternative for, changes in legislation. The Public Prosecutor's Office is part of the executive branch, whose highest body is the government — this is what distinguishes it from the courts, which form an independent and autonomous branch of the Czech constitutional system.

Source: novinky.cz