Classification as a government official for the purpose of criminal prosecution in the Brazilian and in the German Law:

A narrow interpretation of what constitutes government employment at state-owned companies (Article 327, main section, Criminal Doce - CC)

In: Revista de Estudos Criminais, vol. XVIII

Author: Raquel Scalcon
Year: 2019

Abstract:

This article examines whether a person in the employ of the government at a state-owned company should be considered a government official for the purpose of criminal prosecution, as per art. 327, main section of the CC. We will evaluate Brazilian and German theory addressing this issue and carry out comparative research into case law from the German Federal Court (Bundesgerichtshof – BGH). Our work is divided into two sections. The first addresses the abstract concept involving criminal violation of administrative duties and the definitions of public administration and government officialdom for the purpose of criminal prosecution. It will also examine the issue in the context of state-owned companies, putting forward a number of criteria based on Brazil’s criminal legislation. The second moves from theory to practice, analyzing decision from the German Federal Court (BGH) in criminal cases involving German and foreign state-owned companies, comparing solutions proposed by Germany’s criminal statutes and those available in Brazil.

How to quote:

SCALCON, Raquel. Classification as a government official for the purpose of criminal prosecution in the Brazilian and in the German Law: A narrow interpretation of what constitutes government employment at state-owned companies (Article 327, main section, Criminal Doce - CC). In: Revista de Estudos Criminais, vol. XVIII, 2019
Beyond causality and intent

Beyond causality and intent

This article aims to demonstrate how the theory of objective imputation of results enriches this examination, as well as to suggest ways of its application.

Interpretive challenges of crimes against democratic institutions

The series of crimes in the indictment against Bolsonaro – part 2

This article is a continuation of the discussion on the topic of multiple offenses in the context of the charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro. In this second text, Raquel examines possible connections between the crime of aggravated damage and the crime of deterioration of listed heritage sites.

Opinion – The concept of miscarriage of justice in Brazilian Law

Opinion – The concept of miscarriage of justice in Brazilian Law

This article is an adapted version of an opinion piece that discusses the concept of judicial error and wrongful conviction in Brazilian criminal law, as well as the criteria for its compensation. It also addresses a procedural issue concerning the possibility of the Superior Court of Justice reviewing the topic.

Articles by Topics

Books

Constitutional Control of Criminal Laws

Constitutional Control of Criminal Laws

From legislative forecasts on the potential and concrete effects of criminal law to the duties of monitoring and improving criminal law. Constitutional Law.

Illegality and Punishment

Illegality and Punishment

Opposing models for the foundation of contemporary Criminal Law. The importance of the notions of unlawfulness and punishment. Claus Rozin and José de Faria Costa.