Capital punishment in Slovakia

Death Penalty laws in Europe

Capital Punishment in Slovakia

Capital punishment in Slovakia refers to the legal process whereby a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. Slovakia, a Central European country, has a complex history regarding the use of the death penalty.

Historical Context

Capital punishment has been a part of Slovak history for centuries, influenced by various ruling entities, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Czechoslovakia. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the death penalty was commonly used for serious crimes. After the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the practice continued under the new legal system.

Abolition

The significant shift in the stance on capital punishment came after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. In 1990, Czechoslovakia abolished the death penalty for all crimes. This abolition was carried over when Slovakia became an independent country in 1993 following the Dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

Legal Framework

The abolition of capital punishment in Slovakia is enshrined in the country's legal framework. The Constitution of Slovakia explicitly prohibits the death penalty. Additionally, Slovakia is a signatory to several international treaties that advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Current Status

Today, Slovakia is one of the many European Union member states that have abolished capital punishment. The country adheres to the EU's strong stance against the death penalty, which is considered a violation of human rights. Slovakia's commitment to human rights and the rule of law is reflected in its continued opposition to capital punishment.

Public Opinion

Public opinion in Slovakia regarding the death penalty has evolved over time. While there may still be some support for its reinstatement among certain segments of the population, the general trend aligns with the broader European perspective that favors abolition.

See Also

• Human rights in Slovakia
• Judicial system of Slovakia
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Abolition of the death penalty in Europe