The Criminal Legal Relationship – A Fundamental Concept in Safeguarding Human Dignity
Abstract
The criminal legal relationship is a construct developed within criminal law doctrine, rooted in the philosophical concept of the social contract. It is generally acknowledged that a “social contract” exists between the state and individuals, establishing reciprocal rights and obligations. Accordingly, a criminal legal relationship emerges upon the entry into force of a legal norm that criminalizes a particular act and becomes operational when an individual commits the offense defined by that norm.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Criminal Law and Policy
Criminal Justice and Penology
Legal Studies and Policies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov Series VII Social Sciences • Law
- Pages
- 209–218
- Publication date
- 16 February 2026
- Language
- EN