Criminal law as ultima ratio

The ultima ratio principle is one of the most well known traditional principles of criminal law. The principle has emphasized the repressive nature of the criminal justice system and positioned it as the last resort of the legislator.

The ultima ratio principle is one of the most well known traditional principles of criminal law. The principle has emphasized the repressive nature of the criminal justice system and positioned it as the last resort of the legislator.

The ultima ratio principle is traditionally conceptualized as a limitation on which acts the State should criminalize. In brief, the principle states that criminal sanctions should be the 'last resort' in combating unwanted behavior.