The Dutch criminal justice system. Organization and operation

Abstract

The Dutch criminal justice system for some time has been famous for its mildness. This mildness, which has been reflected for example in a strikingly low prison rate in the early 1970s has impressed foreign criminal law scholars and criminal justice officials. This traditional mildness is now under pressure. Crime has increased considerably and so has the prison rate. Major changes have taken place in Dutch society. It has gradually become multiethnic, not always sharing common values and norms. Crime changed and became more violent and organized. These changes require new criminal justice policies. In recent years, considerable changes in criminal law and law enforcement legislation have been adopted by Parliament. The Dutch police force has been reorganized, as has been the prosecution service. The statutory powers of the police to investigate organized crime have been expanded. The efficiency of the prosecution service is improved, the judiciary has been extended and prison capacity has been increased. This booklet covers both the organization of the present Dutch criminal justice system and the main procedures used within the system. It deals with the basic principles that guide the operation of the Dutch criminal justice system.