The Motive Of Crime In Foreign Law: A Comparative Legal Analysis

Abstract

The article substantiates the need to carry out a comparative legal analysis of Ukrainian and foreign legislation on fixing the motive of the crime and its criminal- legal significance. Comparative analysis of the laws of foreign countries is made taking into account the membership of countries in the legal systems. The research of the legal status of the motive of crime in the legislation of foreign countries was carried out on the basis of consideration of basic acts of criminal legislation approved at the state level by the higher legislative bodies of a state. The analysis of various approaches to determining the motive of the crime based on the works of foreign and domestic scientists. On the basis of consideration of normative legal acts of criminal nature of foreign countries, the main terms, which indicate the motive of the crime are defined. The basic approaches of fixing the motive of crime in the legislation of foreign countries are defined and the ways of improvement of the Ukrainian legislation in this matter are proposed. It has been established that the legislation of some countries clearly traces the role of motive as a circumstance aggravating punishment and as a sign that must be taken into account directly in sentencing. In spite of this, most countries still hold a position of indifference to the motive of the crime, recognizing it as a minor element of the subjective side of the crime. It is established that the position of the Ukrainian legislator on the optionality of the sign of motive among other constituents of the subjective side of the crime and the obligatory sign among the elements of evidence in the criminal process is quite logical and justified. But many aspects related to the motive for the crime must be refined. Ukrainian legislation, including criminal law, become more progressive every year and meets European standards.