-
1
Criminal Penalties in EU Member States environmental law
Final Report, 15-09-03.
Table of contents and
Executive summary
Reference Study Contract: ENV.B.4-3040/2002/343499/MRA/A
By
In collaboration with
Dr. Gerhard GRNER, Rechtsanwalt VGNENOPOULOS & Partners Law
Firm
CMS Derks Attorneys at Law HANNES SNELLMAN Attorneys at Law
Lillihk Jacobsson AB, Advokatfirman
PINA Advogados Associados JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA, Advocats
Dr. Andreas SCHEIL, Universitt Innsbruck Dr. Peter PAGH,
Copenhagen University
MONARD & DHULST, Avocats
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The Law Firm HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners Counsel would like to
express its gratitude to those who collaborated to produce this
study. The analysis of national legislation for Member States was
performed by the following people: AUSTRIA Dr. Andreas SCHEIL
Universitt Innsbruck BELGIUM Flemish Region: Xavier dHULST,
MONARD & DHULST
Brussels and Walloon Regions: Franois BRAULT HUGLO LEPAGE &
Partners
DENMARK Dr. Peter PAGH Copenhagen University
FINLAND Michael NYLUND HANNES SNELLMAN
FRANCE Bertrand BURG and Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE &
Partners
GERMANY Dr. Gerhard GRNER Rechtsanwalt
GREECE Vivianne KOUTSOMALLIS VGNENOPOULOS & Partners
ITALY Stefania TRIPODI JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA
IRELAND Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
LUXEMBOURG Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
NETHERLANDS Marjan STAAL CMS Derks
PORTUGAL David PINA PINA Advogados Associados
SPAIN Stefania TRIPODI JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA
SWEDEN Madeleine Lillihk Jacobsson Lillihk Jacobsson AB
UK Simon MILWARD HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
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- 3 -
Executive Summary
...............................................................................................................
11
SECTION I: Background Information on National Legal Systems
............ 14 Austria
.....................................................................................................................................
14
Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
14 a. The persons
liable................................................................................................................................
14 b. The different types of
offence...............................................................................................................
15 c. The possible sanctions
.........................................................................................................................
15 d. The competent
courts...........................................................................................................................
20 e. Aspects particular to the environment
.................................................................................................
21
What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ............................................. 21 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
22 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
22 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
22 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
............................................................................................
24 Abbreviations particular to the above study
...................................................................................................
27
Belgique
...................................................................................................................................
29 Introduction
Gnrale.....................................................................................................................................
29
Personnes
responsables...........................................................................................................................
29 Diffrentes catgories dinfraction et peines
applicables........................................................................
29 Juridictions rpressives
...........................................................................................................................
30
Quelle est la dure moyenne de la procdure pnale ?
...................................................................................
30 Qui supporte les frais de la procdure ?
.........................................................................................................
32 Qui engage la procdure ?
..............................................................................................................................
32 Quel est le juge comptent
?...........................................................................................................................
35 Quel est le rsultat de la procdure
?..............................................................................................................
35
Jurisprudence..................................................................................................................................................
36
Denmark..................................................................................................................................
41 Summary of Danish Criminal
Law.................................................................................................................
41 Introduction to Danish Environmental Criminal
Law....................................................................................
42 What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ............................................. 45 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
46 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
46 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
47 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
............................................................................................
47
Finland.....................................................................................................................................
48 Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
48
Persons liable
..........................................................................................................................................
48 The different types of offences
.................................................................................................................
48 The applicable sanctions
.........................................................................................................................
48 The competent
courts...............................................................................................................................
49 Aspects of criminal law, which are particular to the environment
.......................................................... 49
What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ............................................. 49 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
50 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
50 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
50 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
............................................................................................
51
France......................................................................................................................................
52 Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
52 Quelle est la dure moyenne de la procdure pnale ?
...................................................................................
54 Qui supporte les frais de la procdure ?
.........................................................................................................
54 Qui engage la procdure ?
..............................................................................................................................
54 Quel est le juge comptent
?...........................................................................................................................
55 Quel est le rsultat de la procdure
?..............................................................................................................
55 La personne pnalement responsable
.............................................................................................................
55
La responsabilit des personnes morales
................................................................................................
55 La responsabilit des personnes physiques
.............................................................................................
58
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Llment intentionnel
...................................................................................................................................
60
Germany..................................................................................................................................
62
Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
62 What is the average amount of time for the criminal
environmental proceeding? .........................................
65 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
65 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
65 Who supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
65 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
............................................................................................
65
Grce........................................................................................................................................
67 Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
67 Quelle est la dure moyenne de la procdure pnale?
....................................................................................
68 Qui supporte les frais de la procdure?
..........................................................................................................
68 Qui engage la procdure?
...............................................................................................................................
69 Quel est le juge comptent
?...........................................................................................................................
69 Quel est le rsultat de la procdure
?..............................................................................................................
69
Italy..........................................................................................................................................
71 Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
71
Persons liable
..........................................................................................................................................
71 Types of offence
.......................................................................................................................................
71 Possible sanctions
...................................................................................................................................
72 Competent
courts.....................................................................................................................................
72 Aspects of criminal law particular to the
environment............................................................................
73
What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ............................................. 74 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
75 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
75 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
75 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
............................................................................................
76
Ireland
.....................................................................................................................................
77 Introduction.
...................................................................................................................................................
77 What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ............................................. 80 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
......................................................................................................
81 Who initiates the procedure?
..........................................................................................................................
82 Who is the competent judge?
.........................................................................................................................
82 What is the outcome of the procedure?
..........................................................................................................
82 Prosecutions taken by the EPA to
date...........................................................................................................
84
Luxembourg............................................................................................................................
97 Introduction
....................................................................................................................................................
97 Quelle est la dure moyenne de la procdure pnale?
..................................................................................
105 Qui supporte les frais de la procdure ?
.......................................................................................................
105 Qui engage la procdure ?
............................................................................................................................
107 Quel est le juge comptent
?.........................................................................................................................
108 Quel est le rsultat de la procdure
?............................................................................................................
108
The Netherlands
...................................................................................................................
110 Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
110
Criminal Penalties for Environmental Crimes under the Dutch
Criminal Code................................... 110 Criminal
Penalties for Environmental Crimes under the Economic Offences Act
................................ 111
What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ........................................... 112 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
....................................................................................................
113 Who initiates the procedure?
........................................................................................................................
113 Who is the competent judge?
.......................................................................................................................
113 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
..........................................................................................
113
Portugal
.................................................................................................................................
114 Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
114 Quelle est la dure moyenne de la procdure pnale ?
.................................................................................
116 Qui supporte les frais de la procdure ?
.......................................................................................................
116 Qui engage la procdure ?
............................................................................................................................
117 Quel est le juge comptent
?.........................................................................................................................
117 Quelle est le rsultat de la procdure ?
.........................................................................................................
117
Spain
......................................................................................................................................
119
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Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
119 Natural and legal persons
.....................................................................................................................
119 Types of
offences....................................................................................................................................
119
What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ........................................... 120 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
....................................................................................................
121 Who initiates the procedure?
........................................................................................................................
121 Who is the competent judge?
.......................................................................................................................
121 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
..........................................................................................
122
Sweden...................................................................................................................................
123 Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
123 Natural
persons.............................................................................................................................................
124 Legal persons
...............................................................................................................................................
124 What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ........................................... 126 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
....................................................................................................
127 Who initiates the procedure?
........................................................................................................................
127 Who is the competent judge?
.......................................................................................................................
127 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
..........................................................................................
128 Summary implementation of the
Directives..............................................................................................
129
UK..........................................................................................................................................
130 Background to environmental criminal
legislation.......................................................................................
130 Corporate liability
........................................................................................................................................
131 Who is the competent judge?
.......................................................................................................................
131 What is the average amount of time for criminal environmental
proceedings? ........................................... 132 Who
supports the costs of the procedure?
....................................................................................................
133 Who initiates the procedure?
........................................................................................................................
134 What is the outcome of the criminal procedure?
..........................................................................................
135 Case Studies Countries Prosecutions and Fines
........................................................................................
139 Case Studies Court
Decisions....................................................................................................................
143
SECTION II: Tables of Criminal Sanctions and
Explanations.................. 154 Explanation of
tables............................................................................................................
154 Austria
...................................................................................................................................
155
Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
155 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
161 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
164 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
170 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
173 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
180 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
184 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
187 Regulation (EEC) No 259/93
.......................................................................................................................
194 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
196 Directive
1996/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
198 Regulation (EC) No
338/97..........................................................................................................................
201 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
203 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
211 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
214
Belgique : Rgion Wallonne et de Bruxelles-Capitale
...................................................... 215
Directive 76/769/CEE Rgion Wallonne et de Bruxelles-Capitale
.............................................................. 215
Directive 78/176/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
218 Directive 78/176/CEE Rgion Bruxelles-Capitale
.......................................................................................
222 Directive 80/68/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.......................................................................................................
224 Directive 80/68/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
....................................................................................
226 Directive 84/491/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
228 Directive 84/491/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
..................................................................................
231 Directive 86/278/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
234 Directive 86/278/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
..................................................................................
238 Directive 86/280/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
241 Directive 86/280/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
..................................................................................
244
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Directive 90/219/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
247 Directive 90/219/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
..................................................................................
249 Directive 91/271/CEE Rgion Wallonne
.....................................................................................................
251 Directive 91/271/CEE Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
..................................................................................
254 Rglement (CEE) 259/93 Rgion Wallonne
................................................................................................
256 Rglement (CEE) 259/93 Rgion de Bruxelles-Capitale
.............................................................................
260 Directive 94/63/CE Rgion
Wallonne..........................................................................................................
264 Directive 94/63/CE Rgion de
Bruxelles-Capitale.......................................................................................
267 Directive 96/59/CE Rgion
Wallonne..........................................................................................................
270 Directive 96/59/CE Rgion de
Bruxelles-Capitale.......................................................................................
275 Rglement (CE) 338/97 Rgion Wallonne et de
Bruxelles-Capitale............................................................
279 Directive 1999/31/CE Rgion
Wallonne......................................................................................................
281 Directive 1999/31/CE Rgion de
Bruxelles-Capitale...................................................................................
283 Directive 2000/53/CE Rgion
Wallonne......................................................................................................
288 Directive 2000/53/CE Rgion de
Bruxelles-Capitale...................................................................................
292 Directive 2000/59/CE Rgion
Wallonne......................................................................................................
295 Directive 2000/59/CE Rgion de
Bruxelles-Capitale...................................................................................
298
Belgique : Rgion
Flamande................................................................................................
300 Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
300 Directive 76/769/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
302 Directive 78/176/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
304 Directive 80/68/CEE Rgion Flandres
.........................................................................................................
306 Directive 84/491/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
308 Directive 86/278/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
310 Directive 86/280/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
313 Directive 90/219/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
315 Directive 91/271/CEE Rgion Flandres
.......................................................................................................
317 Rglement (CEE) 259/93 Rgion Flandres
..................................................................................................
319 Directive 94/63/CE Rgion
Flandres............................................................................................................
321 Directive 96/59/CE Rgion
Flandres............................................................................................................
324 Rglement (CE) 338/97 Rgion
Flandres.....................................................................................................
327 Directive 1999/31/CE Rgion
Flandres........................................................................................................
329 Directive 2000/53/CE Rgion
Flandres........................................................................................................
332 Directive 2000/59/CE Rgion
Flandres........................................................................................................
335
Denmark................................................................................................................................
337 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
337 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
339 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
341 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
343 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
345 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
348 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
350 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
352 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
354 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
356 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
358 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
361 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
366 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
370 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
372
Finland...................................................................................................................................
375 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
375 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
379 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
383 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
387 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
391 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
395 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
399 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
404 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
407
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Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
411 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
415 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
419 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
423 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
428 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
429
France....................................................................................................................................
433 Directive 76/769/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
433 Directive 78/176/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
436 Directive 80/68/CEE
....................................................................................................................................
442 Directive 84/491/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
446 Directive 86/278/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
451 Directive 86/280/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
461 Directive 90/219/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
466 Directive 91/271/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
469 Rglement (CEE) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
472 Directive
94/63/CE.......................................................................................................................................
474 Directive
96/59/CE.......................................................................................................................................
479 Rglement (CE)
338/97................................................................................................................................
487 Directive
1999/31/CE...................................................................................................................................
490 Directive
2000/53/CE...................................................................................................................................
492 Directive
2000/59/CE...................................................................................................................................
493
Germany................................................................................................................................
495 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
495 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
496 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
498 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
501 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
504 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
506 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
508 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
510 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
511 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
513 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
514 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
517 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
519 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
521 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
523 Abbreviations
used.......................................................................................................................................
524
Grce......................................................................................................................................
525 Directive 76/769/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
525 Directive 78/176/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
526 Directive 80/68/CEE
....................................................................................................................................
527 Directive 84/491/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
529 Directive 86/278/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
531 Directive 86/280/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
534 Directive 90/219/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
537 Directive 91/271/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
540 Rglement (CEE) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
542 Directive
94/63/CE.......................................................................................................................................
543 Directive
96/59/CE.......................................................................................................................................
545 Rglement (CE)
338/97................................................................................................................................
548 Directive
1999/31/CE...................................................................................................................................
550 Directive
2000/53/CE...................................................................................................................................
554 Directive
2000/59/CE...................................................................................................................................
555
Ireland
...................................................................................................................................
557 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
557 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
559 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
560 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
563
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- 8 -
Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
565 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
569 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
572 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
574 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
578 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
580 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
582 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
587 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
592 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
595 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
597
Italy........................................................................................................................................
600 Directive 76/769/ EEC
.................................................................................................................................
600 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
602 Directive 80/68/ EEC
...................................................................................................................................
605 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
607 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
609 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
612 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
614 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
619 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
622 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
624 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
626 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
630 Directive
99/31/EC.......................................................................................................................................
633 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
637 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
638
Luxembourg..........................................................................................................................
639 Directive 76/769/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
639 Directive 78/176/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
642 Directive 80/68/CEE
....................................................................................................................................
647 Directive 84/491/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
649 Directive 86/278/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
651 Directive 86/280/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
656 Directive 90/219/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
658 Directive 91/271/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
661 Rglement (CEE) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
663 Directive
94/63/CE.......................................................................................................................................
665 Directive
96/59/CE.......................................................................................................................................
667 Rglement (CE)
338/97................................................................................................................................
670 Directive
1999/31/CE...................................................................................................................................
673 Directive
2000/53/CE...................................................................................................................................
675 Directive
2000/59/CE...................................................................................................................................
676
The Netherlands
...................................................................................................................
678 Directive 76/796/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
678 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
686 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
690 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
693 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
695 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
697 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
703 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
705 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
708 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
709 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
712 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
714 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
717 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
721 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
723
Portugal
.................................................................................................................................
724
-
- 9 -
Directive 76/769/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
724 Directive 78/172/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
726 Directive 80/68/CEE
....................................................................................................................................
728 Directive 84/491/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
730 Directive 86/278/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
733 Directive 86/280/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
736 Directive 90/219/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
738 Directive 91/271/CEE
..................................................................................................................................
742 Rglement (CEE) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
744 Directive
94/63/CE.......................................................................................................................................
746 Directive
96/59/CE.......................................................................................................................................
748 Rglement (CE)
338/97................................................................................................................................
751 Directive
1999/31/CE...................................................................................................................................
753 Directive
2000/53/CE...................................................................................................................................
756 Directive
2000/59/CE...................................................................................................................................
758
Spain
......................................................................................................................................
759 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
759 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
762 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
765 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
769 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
772 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
775 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
778 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
781 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
784 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
787 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
790 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
793 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
796 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
799 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
802
Sweden...................................................................................................................................
805 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
805 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
808 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
810 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
813 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
816 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
820 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
823 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
826 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
828 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
831 Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
834 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
838 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
844 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
849 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
852 Footnotes and
summary................................................................................................................................
855
UK..........................................................................................................................................
856 Introduction
..................................................................................................................................................
856 Directive 76/769/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
867 Directive 78/176/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
870 Directive 80/68/EEC
....................................................................................................................................
877 Directive 84/491/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
884 Directive 86/278/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
896 Directive 86/280/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
903 Directive 90/219/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
911 Directive 91/271/EEC
..................................................................................................................................
927 Regulation (EEC) 259/93
.............................................................................................................................
936 Directive
94/63/EC.......................................................................................................................................
944
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Directive
96/59/EC.......................................................................................................................................
954 Regulation (EC)
338/97................................................................................................................................
966 Directive
1999/31/EC...................................................................................................................................
970 Directive
2000/53/EC...................................................................................................................................
984 Directive
2000/59/EC...................................................................................................................................
984
References
........................................................................................................
985
Abbreviations...................................................................................................
988
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Executive Summary
It must first be emphasised that the following study presents
theoretical information about the practically extremely complex
issue of sanctioning environmental crimes. Each individual crime
that is sanctioned will actually have many unique circumstances
which have to be considered before the courts can determine the
appropriate sanction. Criminal sanctions for the specific
environmental crimes committed in relation to the Directives and
Regulations of this study exist in almost all Member States, with
the notable exception of Spain where the only sanctions for the
specific crimes are administrative. However, in Spain criminal
sanctions do still exist, they are just not detailed with specific
reference to crimes committed in relation to these Directives and
Regulations. Germany, Denmark and Austria also have comprehensive
legislation detailing administrative sanctions for environmental
offences, alongside criminal sanctions. All Member States
environmental legislation refers to framework legislation on
various themes (such as environmental protection, air, water and
waste) which provide the legal basis for governments to legislate
against specific environmental offences. This framework legislation
also contain specific information on sanctions for general
environmental crimes. In theory, environmental crimes in all
countries are sanctioned with similar penalties to traditional
crimes, including with fines, prison and community sentences.
However, in practice, fines are by far the most commonly used
sanction for environmental offences and it is extremely rare for
prison sentences to be issued. Many Member States also offer
further complementary sanctions such as confiscation of property
used to carry out a crime or confiscation of monetary benefits
gained from the crime, orders for remediation work to be carried
out, or disqualification from being a company director or holding
specific authorisations. These sanctions may be detailed in
legislation relating to specific crimes or they may be detailed
more generally in background legislation. The level of sanctions
for specific crimes differs greatly between Member States as well
as between Directives and Regulations and between specific crimes
detailed in individual articles of Directives and Regulations.
However, a general trend can be noted in all Member States towards
more severe sentencing of environmental crimes, a trend which is
being encouraged by the competent authorities. It can also be noted
that the number of prosecutions for environmental crimes are
increasing in all Member States. This can be explained partly by an
increase in the amount of environmental legislation and partly by
an increasing willingness and ability for competent authorities to
bring prosecutions which reflects an increasing public concern over
environmental damage.
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Criminal Penalties in EU Member States environmental law
Final Report, 15-09-03.
SECTION I: Background information
on national legal systems
Reference Study Contract: ENV.B.4-3040/2002/343499/MRA/A
By
In collaboration with
Dr. Gerhard GRNER, Rechtsanwalt VGNENOPOULOS & Partners Law
Firm
CMS Derks Attorneys at Law HANNES SNELLMAN Attorneys at Law
Lillihk Jacobsson AB, Advokatfirman
PINA Advogados Associados JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA, Advocats
Dr. Andreas SCHEIL, Universitt Innsbruck Dr. Peter PAGH,
Copenhagen University
MONARD & DHULST, Avocats
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The Law Firm HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners Counsel would like to
express its gratitude to those who collaborated to produce this
study. The analysis of national legislation for Member States was
performed by the following people: AUSTRIA Dr. Andreas SCHEIL
Universitt Innsbruck BELGIUM Flemish Region: Xavier dHULST,
MONARD & DHULST
Brussels and Walloon Regions: Franois BRAULT HUGLO LEPAGE &
Partners
DENMARK Dr. Peter PAGH Copenhagen University
FINLAND Michael NYLUND HANNES SNELLMAN
FRANCE Bertrand BURG and Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE &
Partners
GERMANY Dr. Gerhard GRNER Rechtsanwalt
GREECE Vivianne KOUTSOMALLIS VGNENOPOULOS & Partners
ITALY Stefania TRIPODI JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA
IRELAND Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
LUXEMBOURG Matthieu WEMARE HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
NETHERLANDS Marjan STAAL CMS Derks
PORTUGAL David PINA PINA Advogados Associados
SPAIN Stefania TRIPODI JAUSAS, NADAL & VIDAL DE
LLOBATERA
SWEDEN Madeleine Lillihk Jacobsson Lillihk Jacobsson AB
UK Simon MILWARD HUGLO LEPAGE & Partners
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SECTION I: Background Information on National Legal Systems
Austria Introduction The Austrian legal system divides
competences for environmental protection between the Bundesstaat
(federation) and the nine autonomous Lnder (states). The competence
for legislation and execution in a certain field includes the
competence to legislate and execute criminal and/or administrative
penal law as well (Adhsionskompetenz). The federation and the nine
autonomous states produced within their environmental
administrative statutes a good deal of administrative penal law
(Verwaltungsstrafrecht). The general rules of administrative penal
law (and the rules of administrative penal procedure) are laid down
in Verwaltungsstrafgesetz (VStG, Administrative Penal Code), which
is applicable in federal and state administrative penal cases as
well. The federation provides within its competence for legislation
in matters of criminal law for criminal offences to protect the
environment in Strafgesetzbuch (StGB, Criminal Code) and in other
federal statutes, - the states do not provide for criminal law,
although they could -. The rules of criminal procedure are laid
down in Strafprozessordnung (StPO; Criminal Procedure Code). We
have material federal and state administrative penal law
(administrative statutes); and we have federal criminal law
(Criminal Code and other federal statutes). The main differences
between administrative penal law and criminal law are: Negligence
is sufficient in administrative penal law, if intent is not
demanded in particular; according to the Penal Code it is just the
other way, intent is required, if negligence is not declared
sufficient in particular.1 In addition, in administrative penal law
the offender has to substantiate to the authority, that he did not
act intentionally or negligently, if not the endangering or
injuring of somebody or something, but the simple non-compliance
with the administrative law is declared punishable. Otherwise, he
is regarded guilty.2 In criminal law full proof is required, an
acquittal has to take place in dubio pro reo if there is any doubt
concerning the facts.
a. The persons liable Austria still sticks to the principle
societas delinquere non potest, only natural persons are liable.
Discussions about corporate liability are still going on, but only
in criminal law. Administrative penal law
1 ) 7 Abs 1 StGB. 2 ) 5 Abs 1 VStG.
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The representatives of legal entities are liable. To secure
penal liability they can; or they must engage another natural
person to observe the administrative law (verantwortlicher
Beauftragter, responsible representative), if demanded by law as by
71 Abs 1 and 2 ChemG 1996 or if demanded by the authority.3 The
entity is other than in criminal law - liable for the pecuniary
fine imposed on the (responsible) representative4. Some statutes
provide for liability for culpa in eligendo or custodiendo
besides.5 So under certain law the holder of a permission and the
managing director is punishable beside the actor, if they tolerated
the offence deliberately or if they neglected duties by choosing or
supervising supervisory staff as in 137 Abs 5 WRG. Criminal law The
representatives of legal entities are liable, if they commit the
crime; and they are liable for culpa in eligendo or culpa in
custodiendo of managers or other employees. Additional deprivation
of profits from the offender or anyone else that can be a legal
entity as well - is possible (Gewinnabschpfung)6.
b. The different types of offence Administrative penal law In
administrative penal law the offences (Verwaltungsbertretungen,
administrative offences) are not classified under different
categories. Criminal law The Criminal Code classifies offences
according to threat of punishment and to intention or negligence as
Verbrechen (felonies; only intentional offences with imprisonment
for life or longer than 3 years)7 and Vergehen (misdemeanors; the
others)8. All crimes in our field are misdemeanors, none of them
provides for imprisonment longer than 3 years.
c. The possible sanctions Administrative penal law The penalties
in administrative penal law are mainly pecuniary fines. All of the
federal or state statutes provide for them. Minimum fine for an
administrative offence generally is 7 9, if not stated otherwise:
71 Abs 1 ChemG 1996 for example provides for a minimum fine of 360
and 79 Abs 1 and Abs 2 AWG 2002 provide for a minimum fine of 3.630
respectively 1.800 , if the offence is committed through a
commercial or industrial activity. 3 ) 9 Abs 1 6 VStG. 4 ) 9 Abs 7
VStG. 5 ) 137 Abs 5 WRG, 80 Abs 2 AWG 2002. 6 ) 20 StGB. 7 ) 17 Abs
1 StGB. 8 ) 17 Abs 2 StGB. 9 ) 13 VStG; Organstrafverfgung, tickets
may be less.
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The fines have fixed maxima in Euro. Higher maxima are provided
for especially aggravation circumstances as by 11 Abs 1
Vorarlberger Klrschlammgesetz or for (first) re-offending: Usually
the maximum is doubled then as by 71 Abs 2 ChemG 1996 - regular 7
up to 5.090 , (first) re-offending 7 up to 10.170 -. In
administrative penal law we have pecuniary fines in the range from
7 up to 36.400 as in 79 Abs 1 AWG 2002 and up to 29.070 for (first)
re-offending as in 71 Abs 1 ChemG 1996 (regular fine up to 14.530
). Imprisonment (minimum 12 hours, maximum 6 weeks10) is not
provided for in our field. As an alternative penalty for
non-payment of a fine imprisonment is possible usually 2 weeks, in
some cases extended (up to 6 weeks as in 137 Abs 3 WRG) or from
minimum 4 days up to 6 weeks by 15 Abs 1 Burgenlndisches
Bodenschutzgesetz, if not excluded expressly by a single
administrative law.11 Contrary to criminal law, pecuniary sentences
or prison sentences cannot be (partially) suspended, and contrary
to criminal law, a fine (or imprisonment) is imposed for each
single act or omission, so the sentences have to be accumulated
(Kumulationsprinzip) 12: That could theoretically - lead to very
high fines. Deprivation of profits from the offender or anyone
else, who got the profit and knew about the offence, is possible,
if provided for in particular as by 80 Abs 3 AWG 2002 in criminal
law deprivation of profits is a general rule ( 20 StGB) -. Other
than in criminal law, where forfeiture of objects, equipment and of
products of crime (instrumenta et producta sceleris) is a general
rule, forfeiture of an object (including packaging) must be
provided for in particular as for example in 73 ChemG 1996 if the
owner is not able to prove that there will be no further risk from
this object in the future -. Only according to 10 ArthG
compensation is possible and obligatory if forfeiture of an object
is impossible. Temporary injunctions to avoid further risks are
possible if provided for in particular as for example by 62 AWG
2002. Criminal law There are no special criminal penalties in
environmental law, just the ordinary penalties. Imprisonment is
provided for by all crimes against environment minimum imprisonment
is one day13, maximum 3 years14 or 2 years15 or 1 year16 or 6
month17-. A prison sentence not exceeding 6 months must be
transformed into a fine of not more than 360 daily rates, if the 10
) 12 Abs 1 VStG. 11 ) 16 VStG; excluded by 101 Abs 2 lit g K-AWO.
12 ) 22 Abs 1 VStG. 13 ) 18 Abs 2 StGB. 14 ) 180 StGB. 15 ) 181b,
181d and 182 StGB. 16 ) 181 StGB. 17 ) 181a, 181c and 182 StGB.
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threat of imprisonment does not exceed five years all crimes
against environment fit into that framework and if imprisonment is
not necessary to prevent re-offending or to prevent others to
commit such a crime18. Pecuniary fines in criminal law are
calculated by a day-rate system (Tagessatzsystem). Minimum fine is
2 daily rates19 - the equivalent of one day of alternative penalty
of imprisonment for non-payment20, which can last to a maximum of
180 days in every case here -, maximum fine is 360 daily rates,
which is provided for by all crimes against environment. One single
daily rate goes from 2 up to 327 21, so fines lie in the range of 4
up to 117.720 . The single daily rate is calculated that way: The
offenders net income a month is divided by 30 and such an amount is
taken away, that the offender is left the subsistence level of
approximately 20 a day. In case of the second re-offence, the
maximum fine as well as the maximum prison sentence can be exceeded
by fifty per cent22, so in the worst case for an offender a fine up
to 176.580 and a prison sentence up to four and a half years can be
imposed in a criminal environmental case. The amount of penalty is
determined by the guilt of the offender and by the extent of
negative effects, he caused. All fines; and prison terms up to two
years can be totally23 or partially24 suspended and the offender
can be put on probation. In criminal law forfeiture of objects,
equipment and of products of crime (instrumenta et producta
sceleris) is a general rule ( 26 StGB), 8 ArtHG orders forfeiture
of species and equipment used in particular. Only according to 10
ArtHG compensation is obligatory if forfeiture is impossible.
Interdiction or restriction of commercial activity from minimum 1
to maximum 5 years in case of punishment and publication of
sentence in mass media at cost of offender in case of second
re-offending against LMG 1975 ( 66, 67 LMG 1975) is obligatory. The
owner of an enterprise that can be a legal entity as well - is
liable for the pecuniary fine, for the costs of publication of the
sentence in mass media and for deprivation of profits imposed on
the (responsible) representative or a blue-collar worker, if the
crime against LMG 1975 is committed in the enterprise ( 69 LMG
1975). The crimes legal texts in footnotes - are: Intentional
impairment of the environment ( 180 StGB)25 - imprisonment up to 3
years or a fine up to 360 daily rates - and Negligent impairment of
the environment ( 181 StGB)26 - imprisonment up to 1 year or a fine
up to 360 daily rates -;
18 ) 37 Abs 1 StGB. 19 ) 19 Abs 1 StGB. 20 ) 19 Abs 3 StGB. 21 )
19 Abs 2 StGB. 22 ) 39 Abs 1 StGB. 23 ) 43 StGB. 24 ) 43a, 44 StGB.
25 ) 180. (1) Anyone who, in breach of a legal provision or an
administrative decision, pollutes or otherwise impairs a stretch of
water or pollutes the soil or the air in a manner likely to cause
1. a risk to the life or health ( 89) of a large number of people
or 2. a risk to animal or plant population of a large area shall be
punished with imprisonment not exceeding three years or with a fine
not exceeding 360 daily rates.
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Intentionally endangering the environment by treatment of and
clearing away waste ( 181b StGB)27 - imprisonment up to 2 years or
a fine up to 360 daily rates -; Negligently endangering the
environment by treatment of waste ( 181c)28 - imprisonment up to 6
months or pecuniary fine up to 360 daily rates -; Intentionally
endangering of the environment by the operation of installations (
181d StGB)29 - imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine up to 360 daily
rates -; Other (intentionally)30 endangering of flora and fauna (
182 StGB)31 - imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to 360 daily
rates - and Negligently endangering flora and fauna ( 183 StGB)32 -
imprisonment up to 6 months or a fine up to 360 daily rates -.
Intentional and negligent impairment of the environment ( 180, 181
StGB) require inter alia that the pollution or impairment causes an
abstract risk caused by a typical dangerous act to life or health
of a large number of human beings (10 or more persons)
(potenzielles
(2) The same punishment shall be imposed on anyone who, in
breach of a legal provision or an administrative decision,
seriously and persistently pollutes or otherwise impairs water or
soil on a large scale and thereby causes either 1. pollution or
impairment, lasting for ever or over a long period of time, insofar
as the removal of the pollution or impairment is impossible or
economically unreasonable or 2. an expenditure necessary for the
removal of the pollution or impairment, that exceeds 40 000 Euro.
26 ) 181. Anyone who, in breach of a legal provision or an
administrative decision, negligently commits acts defined in 180
shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one year or with
a fine not exceeding 360 daily rates. 27 ) 181b. (1) Anyone who, in
breach of a legal provision or an administrative decision, treats,
stores or deposits, discharges or otherwise disposes of waste and
thereby causes the risk of pollution or impairment pursuant to 180
Abs. 1 or the risk of serious persistent pollution or other
impairment of a stretch of water, soil or air on a large scale,
shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or a
fine not exceeding 360 daily rates. (2) The same punishment shall
be imposed on anyone who, in breach of a legal provision or an
administrative decision, imports, exports or brings waste through
the area of the domestic country, where the prescribed treatment
for that waste is necessary because of its nature, composition or
quantity in order to avoid one of the risks in the meaning of Abs.
1. 28 ) 181c. Anyone who, in breach of a legal provision or an
administrative decision, negligently commits acts defined in 181b
Abs. 1, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding six
months or a fine not exceeding 360 daily rates. 29 ) 181d. Anyone
who, in breach of a legal provision or an administrative decision,
operates an installation which releases harmful substances in a
manner which is likely to cause the risk of pollution or impairment
in the meaning of 180 Abs. 1 or the risk of serious and persistent
pollution or other impairment of a stretch of water, soil or air on
a large scale, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding
two years or with a fine not exceeding 360 daily rates. 30 )
According 7 Abs 1 StGB this crime can be committed only
intentionally. 31 ) 182. (1) Anyone who acts in a manner likely to
cause 1. the risk of the spread of an epidemic among animals, or 2.
the risk of the spread of a carrier of disease or a parasite
dangerous to an animal or plant population, shall be punished with
imprisonment not exceeding two years or with a fine not exceeding
360 daily rates. (2) The same punishment shall be imposed on anyone
who, in breach of a legal provision or an administrative decision,
otherwise as defined in 180 causes a risk to the animal or plant
population of a large area. 32 ) 183. Anyone who negligently
commits an act defined in 182, shall be punished with imprisonment
not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding 360 daily rates.
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Gefhrdungsdelikt). If the life or health of a single person is
endangered concretely by pollution under, what is called special
dangerous circumstances risk for life or health is very high -,
then the act is punishable as Gefhrdung der krperlichen Sicherheit
( 89 StGB, endangering of physical security) imprisonment up to 3
months or fine up to 180 daily rates (konkretes Gefhrdungsdelikt).
If a person is hurt or killed negligently than the act is
punishable as Fahrlssige Krperverletzung ( 88 Abs 1 4 StGB,
negligent physical injury) imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to
360 daily rates or as Fahrlssige Ttung (unter besonders gefhrlichen
Verhltnissen) ( 80, 81 StGB; manslaughter through negligence (under
special dangerous circumstances) imprisonment up to 3 years -.
Criminal Code
prison sentence
2nd re-offending prison sentence
fine 2 360 daily rates
2nd re-offending fine
im- prisonment for not paying a fine 1d = 2 daily rates
(partial/total) suspension of fine or prison sentence
possible
Confis-cation of profitspossible
180 StGB
1d 3y 1d 4.5y 4 -117.720 4 -176.580 1d 6m Yes yes
181 StGB
1d 1y 1d 1.5y Same Same Same Yes yes
181b StGB
1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes yes
181c StGB
1d 6m 1d 9m Same Same Same Yes yes
181d StGB
1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes yes
182 StGB
1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes yes
183 StGB
1d 6m 1d 9m Same Same Same Yes yes
89 StGB
1d 3m 1d 4,5m
Same Same Same Yes -
88 Abs 1 4 StGB
1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes -
80, 81 StGB
1d 3y 1d 4,5y Same Same Same Yes -
Crimes against the LMG 1975 (federal law on the commerce of
foods, additives, cosmetics and objects of utility) consist of four
different misdemeanors. Intentional marketing and attempt to
marketing of objects in use that are harmful to health, intentional
marketing and attempt to marketing of harmful objects, if they
cause danger for life and health of several people, negligent
marketing of harmful objects and negligent marketing of harmful
objects, if they cause danger for life of several (10 or more)
people.
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According to 8 ArtHG (federal law on the control of trade in
species of wild flora and fauna) the intentional transfer, buying,
selling, exhibiting, stocking or other use of species contrary to
Regulation (EC) No 338/97 is punishable as a misdemeanor. LMG
1975
Prison sentence
2nd re-offending prison sentence
Fine 2 360 daily rates
2nd re-offendingfine
imprisonment for not paying a fine 1d = 2daily rates
(partial/total) suspension of fine or prison sentence
possible
Confiscation of profits possible
56 Abs 1 Z 2
1d 1y 1d 1.5y 4 -117.720
4 -176.580
1d 6m Yes yes
56 Abs 2
1d 3y 1d 4.5y Same Same Same Yes yes
57 Abs 1
1d 6m 1d 9m Same Same Same Yes yes
57 Abs 2
1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes yes
ArtHG 8 1d 2y 1d 3y Same Same Same Yes yes
d. The competent courts Administrative penal law Punishable
infringements of administrative law are not prosecuted by public
prosecutors, but by Bezirksverwaltungsbehrden (district
administrative authorities)33 (Inquistionsprinzip; principle of
inquisition), the same authorities that execute the administrative
law. That can be the Bezirkshauptmannschaft (offices of districts
headed by the chief officer), the Brgermeister (mayor) in (bigger)
cities or the Magistrat der Stadt Wien (magistrate of the City of
Vienna). In some cases the Landeshauptmann (head of the state
government), the Landesregierung (state government) or a
Bundesminister (minister of the federal government) can be the
competent authority. For investigation, all these authorities can
use the help of the Polizei (police in cities) or the Gendarmerie
(armed men in the countryside). Unlike courts these authorities are
dependent, they have to obey directives given by the ministers of
the state government (state administrative law) or the ministers of
the federal government (federal administrative law), even in penal
cases. Appeals against their decisions are possible to courtlike
Unabhngige Verwaltungssenate34 (Independent Administrative
Tribunals) and finally to the Verwaltungsgerichtshof
(Administrative High C