On Friday, 21 March, a discussion between representatives of the Senate’s Department of Criminal Cases and judges of Kurzeme region took place in Liepāja. The aim of the event was to develop the exchange of views between the court of cassation and lower courts, to ensure uniform case-law, as well as to discuss topical legal issues in a timely and efficient manner.

Anita Poļakova, Chair of the Senate’s Department of Criminal Cases, Senator Inguna Radzeviča and Legal research counsel Aleksandra Azeva discussed a number of issues with the judges of the Kurzeme Regional Court and the Kurzeme District Court, including the form of guilt with regard to the criminal offence under Section 260 of the Criminal Law (violation of traffic provisions and provisions regarding vehicle operation), as well as the application of Section 140 (72) of the Criminal Procedure Law in relation to participation of persons (especially the accused persons) in court hearings by videoconference.

Attention is also drawn to the establishment of aggravating circumstances in case of continuing criminal offences – influence of alcohol, drugs, psychotropic, toxic and intoxicating substances, provided for in Section 48(1)(12) of the Criminal Law. The current issues related to the damages to be compensated to the victim related to his/her representation in criminal proceedings were also discussed.

The next visit of the senators and counsels of the Senate’s Department of Criminal Cases is scheduled for 23 May to the Vidzeme Regional Court.

 

Information prepared by

Senate’s Department of Criminal Cases

Additional information: Division of the Communication of the Supreme Court: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv; +371 28652211; +371 67020396