Conditional discontinuance of criminal prosecution

This master thesis concerns itself with the alternative procedural measure, the institute of conditional discontinuance of criminal prosecution and some of its relating issues. Conditional discontinuance of criminal prosecution is a type of diversion. It is employed by public prosecutors, or courts, to suspend the further criminal prosecution of those who are accused of committing less serious criminal offence. This is carried on the condition that the accused individual is presented with the opportunity to observe the behavioural rules of proper life throughout the probationary period. Should there be proof of the individual's observation of the rules, the decision regarding his/her case becomes final. However, should the accused fail to observe such rules during the probationary period, then the public prosecutor, or the court, for that matter, rule in favour of furthering his/her prosecution (albeit this rarely takes place in practice). Conditional discontinuance of criminal prosecution is a type of diversion designed to reduce the burden on law enforcement authorities. It is based on the idea of restorative justice with an emphasis on the victim and his/her interests. The primary objective is to bring the accused to the victim and compensate the damages. Before the ruling, it is not necessary..