On the decennium of penal order procedure in Serbia

Abstract

In this paper, the author defines the notion and explains the penal order procedure and its general characteristics. It is one of the special simplified criminal proceedings, which has got special basis and special structure. This procedural form is ultimately aimed at the rationalization of the criminal procedure. It is achieved by avoiding the main hearing in the trial proceeding. The author presents the evolution of the penal order in Serbia from 2001 to 2011. He points to some legal innovations in this field during that decennium. He compares old and new legal provisions about penal order and finds some differences. There is a constant tendency to expanding the area of criminal offences which can be judged in this procedural form. New legal provisions are, in general, better than previous. However, the practice has shown that application of penal order is too small. The previous practice does not live up to expectations of theory and legislator.

Keywords

• penal order procedure
• proceeding for punishment without trial
• session for adjudication
• simplified proceeding forms
• code of criminal procedure