Crime & punishment Even though the majority of offences that are classified as crimes are nearly identical in different countries, they also have differences, as the legislation of each country determines what is considered an offence and what kind of punishment it warrants. According to the Criminal Code of Finland, the criminal responsibility of a young person starts at 15, which means that a 15-year-old may be sentenced to a conditional sentence for any crime they may have committed. People younger than this do, however, have liability for damages they may have caused. If an underage person has caused damage on purpose, they may be sentenced to pay full compensation to the
victim, and it may be deducted from their first wages. Punishments for crime vary from fines to imprisonment. The sentences for various types of crimes vary based on the severity of the crime, premeditation and any mitigating circumstances. In nearly all crime, even the attempt of a crime is criminal. It is also possible that the defendant is found guilty of a crime, but they are not sentenced. This may be the case for people under the age of 18, for example, if the court is satisfied that they will learn a lesson even without the punishment. Those who are not criminally responsible are never sentenced to a punishment.
54 | Life in Finland | Finland
Examples of punishable crimes: • Traffic violations: speeding, driving without a seat belt, talking on the mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device • Crimes against life and health: manslaughter, murder and homicide as well as involuntary manslaughter, assault and causing an injury, participating in a fight, causing a danger, abandonment and negligence of rescue actions • Sex and vice crimes: Rape, sexual harassment, sexual abuse of a minor, procurement, public indecency. Procurement and buying sex from victims of procurement or human trafficking is prohibited in Finland.