1871 Strafgesetzbuch (StGB): An Analytical Look at Germany’s Legal Renaissance

Summary:

The Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) of 1871 is Germany's criminal code, embodying the country's aspirations and journey towards a unified legal identity. The code was introduced in 1871, a time when the German Empire was still in its early stages. The StGB aimed to bring legal uniformity across the German states and featured several key innovations, including a rational system for categorizing crimes, objective criteria for sentencing, and a focus on individual rights. The code was part of a broader European movement towards rational, rights-based legal frameworks. Although revised over time, the StGB's core principles continue to shape German criminal law.