Criminal Procedure Code at Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's criminal justice system is governed by the Strafprozessordnung (StPO), or Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides the legal framework for criminal investigations, prosecutions, and trials. The current version of the StPO was enacted on October 18, 1988, and has been in force since January 1, 1989. (Code of Criminal Procedure, Liechtenstein, WIPO Lex)
⚖️ Structure and Key Provisions
The StPO is organized into 22 Hauptstücke (main sections), covering various aspects of criminal procedure:
Allgemeine Bestimmungen (General Provisions): Defines the scope and application of the Code.
Von den Gerichten (Courts): Outlines the structure and jurisdiction of criminal courts.
Von der Staatsanwaltschaft (Public Prosecution): Details the role and responsibilities of the public prosecutor.
Vom Rücktritt von der Verfolgung (Diversion): Provides provisions for withdrawal from prosecution under certain conditions.
Von der Vernehmung des Beschuldigten (Interrogation of the Accused): Establishes procedures for questioning the accused.
Von der Anklage (Indictment): Specifies the requirements for bringing charges.
Von der Schlussverhandlung (Final Hearing): Describes the conduct of the final hearing in criminal trials.
Von den Rechtsmitteln (Appeals): Outlines the processes for appeals, revisions, and complaints.
Von der Vollstreckung der Urteile (Execution of Judgments): Details the enforcement of criminal sentences.
Von der Wiederaufnahme des Strafverfahrens (Reopening of Proceedings): Provides conditions under which proceedings may be reopened.
Von dem Verfahren wider Unbekannte, Abwesende und Flüchtige (Proceedings Against Unknown, Absent, and Fugitive Persons): Addresses procedures for cases involving individuals who are not present.
Von den Kosten des Strafverfahrens (Costs of Criminal Proceedings): Specifies the allocation of costs in criminal cases.
Von dem Verfahren vor dem Einzelrichter (Proceedings Before the Single Judge): Describes simplified procedures for certain cases.
Vereinfachungen des Verfahrens vor dem Einzelrichter bei Übertretungen und bestimmten Vergehen (Simplifications in Proceedings Before the Single Judge for Misdemeanors and Certain Offenses): Provides streamlined procedures for less serious offenses.
Von der Haus- und Personsdurchsuchung, der Beschlagnahme und der Überwachung der elektronischen Kommunikation (Searches, Seizures, and Surveillance of Electronic Communications): Regulates the conduct of searches and seizures, and the surveillance of electronic communications. (Code of Criminal Procedure, Liechtenstein, WIPO Lex)
Von der Vernehmung der Zeugen (Examination of Witnesses): Outlines procedures for questioning witnesses.
Von der Vorladung, Vorführung, Festnahme und Untersuchungshaft des Beschuldigten (Summons, Appearance, Arrest, and Pretrial Detention of the Accused): Specifies procedures for the arrest and detention of the accused.
Von der Vernehmung der Zeugen (Examination of Witnesses): Regulates the questioning of witnesses during proceedings.
Von der Vorladung, Vorführung, Festnahme und Untersuchungshaft des Beschuldigten (Summons, Appearance, Arrest, and Pretrial Detention of the Accused): Addresses the procedures related to the arrest and detention of the accused.
Von der Vernehmung der Zeugen (Examination of Witnesses): Details the procedures for the examination of witnesses.
Von der Vorladung, Vorführung, Festnahme und Untersuchungshaft des Beschuldigten (Summons, Appearance, Arrest, and Pretrial Detention of the Accused): Specifies the procedures for the arrest and detention of the accused.
Vereinfachungen des Verfahrens vor dem Einzelrichter bei Übertretungen und bestimmten Vergehen (Simplifications in Proceedings Before the Single Judge for Misdemeanors and Certain Offenses): Provides simplified procedures for certain offenses.
📄 Accessing the Code
The full text of the Strafprozessordnung (StPO) is available through the World Intellectual Property Organization's WIPO Lex database: (Code of Criminal Procedure, Liechtenstein, WIPO Lex)
👉 Code of Criminal Procedure, Liechtenstein (WIPO Lex)
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