Criminal Procedure Code at North Korea
North Korea's criminal justice system is governed by the Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, enacted in 2012. This law outlines the procedures for criminal investigations, trials, and appeals within the country. (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
⚖️ Key Provisions of the 2012 Criminal Procedure Law
1. Investigation and Arrest
Commencement of Criminal Cases: Criminal cases may begin based on reports from institutions, enterprises, organizations, or citizens. Investigations are initiated by detectives from various institutions, including safety, defense, and prosecutorial bodies . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Arrest Without Warrant: Detectives can arrest a suspect without a warrant in specific situations, such as when a crime is committed in their presence or when there is evidence of the crime . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Detention: Detention can be in custody, house arrest, or area arrest. A written decision for detention must be made within 48 hours of arrest, with approval from a prosecutor . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
2. Preliminary Investigation (Preliminaries)
Duration: Preliminary investigations must conclude within two months. In complex cases, this period can be extended with higher approval . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Interrogation: Defendants must be informed of the decision to inquire into their criminal responsibility within 48 hours. Interrogations are conducted between 08:00 and 20:00 hours, with exceptions as needed . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Evaluation of Evidence: Evidence is secured through affidavits, reports, photos, or recordings. Statements obtained through coercion or inducement are inadmissible . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
3. Trial Procedures
Jurisdiction: People’s Courts handle ordinary criminal cases, while Province Courts deal with more serious offenses, including those against the nation and the people. Special Courts exist for military, munitions, and railway-related cases . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Trial Duration: First-instance trials must conclude within 25 days. In complex cases, this can be extended by 10 days . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Detention During Trial: Accused individuals are not detained in the courtroom unless they are insubordinate or attempt to escape . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
4. Appeals and Reviews
Appeals: The Highest Court handles appeals from lower courts. It can also directly try cases or send them to appropriate courts . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
Review of Judgments: Appeal courts can change judgments if the law was incorrectly applied or if the penalty was excessively heavy . (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
📄 Accessing the Full Text
The full text of the 2012 Criminal Procedure Law is available through the Law and North Korea project: (Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012) — Law and North Korea)
👉 Criminal Procedure Law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2012)
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