Alternatives to Criminal Prosecution in Court Proceedings of the Principality of Liechtenstein

The paper examines alternatives to criminal prosecution under the Liechtenstein Criminal Procedure Code of 1988 based on normative and doctrinal sources. The interest in the topic is not accidental. This institution is one of the most developed in the legal system of the Principality. The general conditions of alternatives to criminal prosecution are analyzed, it is shown to what procedural moment and on whose initiative they can be applied. The grounds for refusing criminal prosecution against both individuals and legal entities have been investigated, since both, according to Liechtenstein law, can be given the status of the accused. It is shown that these alternatives, as a rule, have a conditional character and if the accused has not fulfilled the duties assigned to him, then criminal proceedings against him are subject to resumption. Since one of the tasks of restorative justice is to protect the rights and legitimate interests of the victim, the Liechtenstein legislator regulates in detail his participation in various conciliation procedures with the participation of the accused through the mediation of the body conducting the proceedings. The paper summarizes that the inclusion in the Liechtenstein CPC of an extensive list of alternatives to criminal prosecution is due to the desire of the legislator both to humanize criminal proceedings and to ensure compliance with reasonable deadlines for the consideration of cases. The Liechtenstein legislator differentiates alternatives to criminal prosecution against individuals and legal entities, since the legal and economic situation of these subjects of law and subjects of criminal proceedings differs in many ways. The legal consolidation and practical application of alternatives to criminal prosecution in Liechtenstein harmoniously fits into the general vector of the evolution of judicial proceedings in many European countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc.).

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