The Influence of Reform of Criminal-Procedure Legislation on the Criminality Rate in Moldova

Tatiana Vizdoga1, Sanda Toncu2, Svetlana Prodan3, Petru Paun4 & Elena Petrov5

https://doi.org/10.62271/pjc.16.1.447.465

Abstract
Criminality is one of the most pressing issues, and it requires solving and developing a democratic state governed by the rule of law. At the same time, the reform implementation process, which could positively influence criminality rate reduction, is complex and long-lasting. The study aims to determine the main trends and principles of reforming criminal-procedure legislation in Moldova and determine its influence on the criminality rate. The study used a legalistic method, statistical method, and descriptive method. Based on the study’s results, the key tendencies and principles of reforming criminal-procedure legislation in Moldova were characterised. The main ones are the harmonisation of legislation with the
norms of the European Union and humanisation. Statistical analysis of the criminality rate in Moldova was conducted, and some positive tendencies were outlined. In particular 2023, 7.7 thousand fewer crimes were registered compared to 2019. At the same time, evaluation of the dynamics of the criminality rate indicates the preservation of the high criminality rate. Based on the study’s results, analytical conclusions were presented, and some recommendations concerning further trends in reforming criminal-procedure legislation were formed.

Keywords: criminal-procedure legislation, criminality rate, trust in the police, procedural justice, reform