QuickCheck: Are there countries that do not consider breaking out of prison a crime?
This article explores the legal nuance of prison escapes in various countries, specifically noting that Germany and several other nations do not criminalize the act of escaping itself. The law views the desire for freedom as a basic human instinct, though crimes committed during an escape remain punishable.
Why it matters
It provides a unique perspective on the intersection of human rights, legal philosophy, and criminal justice systems.
Movies often portray prison escapes as daring acts that lead to even harsher punishment.
But it's been said that some countries' legal systems have long treated the act of escape differently.
Are there countries that do not consider prison break a crime?
Breaking out of prison is almost always a crime that carries additional punishment.
However, in some countries, the act of escaping itself is not considered a separate criminal offence.
In Germany, prisoners who escape without using violence, damaging property or committing another crime generally cannot be charged simply for escaping.
Instead, they are returned to prison to continue serving their original sentence.
This unusual legal principle stems from a long-standing view in German law that the desire for freedom is a basic human instinct.
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