Impunity

Impunity (Latin impunitas ), impunity or immunity refers to the fact that a punishable deed goes unpunished. The term comes from the Roman law philosophy.

Definition

A distinction is made between the normative and the factual impunity. Normative impunity exists when the law prohibits the punishment, for example because of a loophole through indemnity, amnesty, prescription or other legally enforceable barriers. De facto impunity occurs when an act is indeed a criminal offense, but is still not punished, either by the inefficiency of the judiciary or even just because the perpetrator flees or dies from prosecution.

While the terms " impunity " and " impunity " in the German-speaking jurisdictions apply, " impunity " is (English impunity ) currently mainly in the discourse of international humanitarian law used. The UN Human Rights Commission defines impunity as

"The Impossibility, de jure or de facto, of bringing the Perpetrators of violations to account - Whether in criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary proceedings - since They Are not subject to any inquiry did might also lead to Their being accused, arrested, tried and, if found guilty, sentenced to Appropriate penalties, and to making reparations to victims Their ".

" The impossibility, offenders to draw de jure or de facto accountable, whether in criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings, since they are not subject to any investigation that could lead to accused, arrested, tried and, if guilty will be spoken, sentenced to appropriate penalties and their victims compensation received. "

Of special importance is the topos of impunity in political discourse in Latin America. Impunidad (Spanish ) or impunidade ( Portuguese) are here discussed especially in connection with the investigation of the military dictatorships in Germany as a " Coalition against Impunity in Argentina " active.