NCJ Number
88538
Journal
Contemporary Crises Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1983) Pages: 135-154
Date Published
1983
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This review of criminal justice in the Netherlands from 1970-80 considers the problem of violence, legislation, court rulings on criminal procedure, and the problems of criminal justice agencies.
Abstract
Social conflict has led to increased violence in the Netherlands, with the most notable being the taking of hostages which led to violence. Complaints about police excesses are increasing significantly, and the control of riots and demonstrations is based more and more on superior police numbers. Legislation has dealt with limiting the use of pretrial detention, the authorization of the compulsory bloodtest in cases charging driving while intoxicated, the liability of corporate bodies, environmental protection, and the abolishing of laws which created offenses against morality. Laws also focused on the criminalization of assistance to runaways and the problem of 'squatting' in empty houses. The most important developments in court rulings have occurred in criminal procedure, primarily in the law of evidence. Issues have also arisen in connection with 'squatters' judgments, double jeopardy, and the prosecution of war criminals. Problems for criminal justice agencies consist of maintaining a positive image for the police in the face of increasing complaints against police violence, the increased centrality of the public prosecutor in the administration of criminal law, and charges of class discrimination against the judiciary. Significant improvements have occurred in the provision of legal aid. Fifty-two notes are provided.