Criminal
The Penal Code with prosecutor-led investigation and no jury
Criminal law is codified in the Penal Code, with the Prosecutor's Office directing investigations. There is no jury; professional judges decide, with lay judges in the most serious cases.
Key rules
- The Prosecutor's Office directs pre-trial investigation and brings charges.
- Lay judges join professional judges only in serious first-instance cases.
- Simplified and settlement procedures resolve many cases without full trial.
Governing law
- Penal Code (Karistusseadustik)
- Code of Criminal Procedure
Penalties and consequences
- Pecuniary punishment and imprisonment; conditional release available
In practice
A large share of Estonian criminal cases are resolved by settlement or expedited procedure rather than contested trial.