Definitions: Explanation of legal terms and abbreviations

In the judicial proceedings, the person against whom a claim was admitted and the trial was opened

In the criminal proceedings, the suspected person against whom a claim was filed and investigations are conducted

Procedure for providing compensation to the aggrieved person within the framework of the criminal proceedings. A request is required.

Person whose right was violated directly by a crime; in case of a homicide also the relatives of the victim.

Appeal against a judgment of the local court in criminal cases which is lodged in order to initiate a review of the judgment in a new hearing at the regional court

Appeal against a judgment of the local court or the regional court in criminal cases which is lodged in order check the judgment for correct application of the law

Document containing the crime the accused is/are charged with, including time and scene of the crime, the penal provisions and the evidence

Written declaration by which the private accessory prosecutor joins the public charges. The declaration of joinder may be submitted by the private accessory prosecutor or his/her lawyer.

A person who has acquired expert knowledge in a certain field and is tasked by public prosecution office or the court to contribute this knowledge in the criminal proceedings.

"Reference number" of the proceedings, to be used to request information from the police, the public prosecution office and the court. Is indicated on every document.

German Courts Constitution Act

Written declaration to the police and the public prosecution office that you want the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator.

Aggrieved person who has joined the public prosecution

Financial support provided by the government in order to enable the aggrieved person to pay the costs for the participation in the criminal proceedings

Person who supports a witness on a voluntary or a professional basis

An issue once decided by the court may not be litigated again.

Lawyer tasked by the joint plaintiff with the legal representation during the criminal proceedings

A person is not criminally liable if he/she cannot realise a wrong committed or cannot act according to that insight and can therefore not be convicted for an offence (caused by alcohol, drug abuse or a severe mental illness or disorder at the time of the crime).

Judgment drafted by the public prosecution office and reviewed and signed by the judge

Compulsory detainment of a person in a psychiatric hospital, a centre for addiction or in preventive detention

Particularly intense assistance and support during the criminal proceedings and in everyday life by a specialised person

Citizens independent of their nationality, religion, colour and gender as well as representatives of the media; the participation of the public in the main hearing of criminal proceedings is basically intended to fulfil the interest in information and to supervise the proceedings (protection from the arbitrary abuse of power).

The right to refuse testimony frees a witness under certain conditions from the obligation to testify.

German Criminal Code

Code of Criminal Procedure

Judicial order to temporarily arrest an accused person; the enforcement of the warrant of arrest may be suspended under specific conditions

Person reporting on his/her perception of an incident, involved persons or third parties

Lawyer assigned to a witness for the duration of his/her examination because the witness himself cannot safeguard his/her rights himself/herself