Capital punishment in Serbia

Death Penalty laws in Europe

== Capital Punishment in Serbia ==

Capital punishment in Serbia refers to the legal process whereby a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. The practice has a long history in the region, but it has been abolished in modern times.

Historical Context

Capital punishment has been a part of Serbian legal tradition since medieval times. During the Kingdom of Serbia, the death penalty was used for various crimes, including murder and treason. The practice continued through the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Abolition

Serbia officially abolished the death penalty in 2002. The last execution in Serbia took place in 1992. The abolition was part of a broader movement towards aligning Serbian law with European Union standards, as the country sought closer integration with Europe.

Legal Framework

The abolition of capital punishment is enshrined in the Constitution of Serbia. Article 24 of the Constitution explicitly states that "Human life is inviolable" and that "In the Republic of Serbia, capital punishment shall not be imposed."

International Obligations

Serbia is a signatory to several international treaties that prohibit the use of the death penalty. These include the European Convention on Human Rights and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which aims at the abolition of the death penalty.

Public Opinion

Public opinion in Serbia has been divided on the issue of capital punishment. While some segments of the population have historically supported its use, particularly for heinous crimes, there has been a growing acceptance of its abolition, influenced by international norms and human rights considerations.

Current Status

Today, Serbia is a member of the Council of Europe and adheres to its standards, which include the prohibition of the death penalty. The country continues to work towards full compliance with European human rights standards as part of its ongoing efforts to join the European Union.

See Also

• Human rights in Serbia
• Judicial system of Serbia
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Abolition of capital punishment

External Links

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