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Showing posts with the label Ethiopian criminal law

Opinion Versus Defamation

If you say that you think somebody is a thief,it is your opinion but if you say you saw somebody steal,you are alleging a fact. If what you thought is proven wrong,it is not a crime because you have freedom of thought. But if what you alleged as a fact is proven false,then this constitutes the crime known as defamation. Have a good day!!!

Concept of terrorism

      Terrorism is related with trying to get a certain aim succeed by means of intimidation and force,by means of making people fear a certain actual or potential threat. The basic problem of terrorism is that it is often indiscriminate about targets. For example,if a bomb exploded in a public place,those who may die or be damaged are most of the time civilians,women,and children etc...who have no thing to do with politics. So,the effect of terrorism is harmful. That is why countries need anti-terrorism law. That is why we also have this law. So,the need for anti-terrorism law is vivid.

Uniformity of criminal penalities in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia,there is poor uniformity and predictability of criminal penalties.One of the causes for this problem is the fact that the criminal code gives the judges a wide discretion in determining the criminal penalty or imprisonment. Due to this two persons may receive different sentences for the materially the same criminal act. In order to mitigate this problem,the Federal Supreme Court has made Sentencing Guidelines. I think these guidelines has improved and also will improve the uniformity of criminal penalties in Ethiopia.