This Decree-Law primarily aims to modernize and integrate the Portuguese Penal Code, reflecting the universal affirmation of human rights and the ethical dimension of the state. The Decree-Law emphasizes the importance of criminal prevention through various means, including the operational coordination of security forces and the elimination of marginalization factors by improving economic, social, and cultural conditions. It also highlights the necessity of a swift and effective investigation and timely judicial response to ensure that the sanctions reflect the violation of fundamental values recognized by the community. Another significant objective of this legislative text is to reorganize the overall penalty system, particularly for minor and medium crimes, to allow for appropriate use of alternative measures to short-term imprisonment. This includes emphasizing the application of community service and fines over imprisonment, which is seen as a last resort. The decree also addresses the need to correct the imbalance between penalties for crimes against persons and property, proposing substantial increases for the former to better reflect their severity. The Penal Code covers a wide range of sectors including: Crimes Against Persons; Crimes Against Property; Crimes Against Public Safety: This sector covers offenses related to public health, safety, and environmental protection, including pollution and endangerment of public health. Crimes Against the Administration of Justice; Crimes Committed by Public Officials: This sector addresses corruption, abuse of power, and other offenses committed by individuals in public office. These sectors ensure comprehensive coverage of various aspects of criminal behaviour, aiming to protect individuals, property, public order, and the integrity of the state and its institutions. Article 272 mentions the crime of causing a fire in forests, woods, or plantations, which can create danger to life, physical integrity, or property. Article 277 mentions the crime of destroying, damaging, or making unusable installations for the production, storage, conduction, or distribution of water. This includes actions that create danger to life, physical integrity, or property. Article 278 is about the elimination of wildlife species and the destruction of their natural habitats aiming to protect wildlife by penalizing actions that cause significant harm to animal populations and their environments. Article 279 mentions the crime of pollution. It outlines penalties for those who, in an inadmissible measure, pollute waters, soils, or the air, or cause noise pollution, thereby degrading their qualities. The law also specifies that pollution occurs in an inadmissible measure when it contravenes legal or regulatory prescriptions or limitations imposed by the competent authority,
葡萄牙 · 1995-03-15