StGB – Commentary on the Liechtenstein Criminal Code
Project Description
The Penal Code (StGB) of the Principality of Liechtenstein, enacted on 24 June 1987, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 24 June 2027. On this occasion, the Chair of Economic Criminal Law, Compliance, and Digitalization is organizing a commemorative event, the highlight of which will be the presentation of a scholarly commentary on the Liechtenstein StGB. This will be the first comprehensive scientific work on this code in Liechtenstein, providing a central reference both for legal practice and for academic discourse. Due to the limited sources available in Liechtenstein, the commentary is conducted with reference to Austrian literature and case law. Particular attention, however, is given to Liechtenstein-specific features in order to reinforce the national criminal law identity. The commentary systematically covers all sections of the StGB (as well as the Criminal Law Adaptation Act [StRAG] of 20 May 1987) and will be published both as a book and online via the Austrian legal database RDB. The project represents an independent scholarly contribution to the development of criminal law. To date, no scientific commentary on a code exists in Liechtenstein, and criminal law research has been conducted only to a very limited extent compared with other areas of law. The commentary thus assumes a pioneering role.
Relevance to Liechtenstein
The planned project is firmly embedded in the Liechtenstein legal context and is characterized by a strong practical relevance. It directly builds on the Penal Code of the Principality of Liechtenstein (StGB) and, through its first comprehensive scholarly commentary, makes a substantial contribution to the systematization and further development of national criminal law.
In light of the previously limited scope of academic analysis, the project is of particular importance: by explicitly taking Liechtenstein-specific features into account, it strengthens the national criminal law identity, enhances legal certainty in legal practice and jurisprudence, and establishes a well-founded basis for future research and legislative development.
Moreover, the project makes a lasting contribution to increasing the visibility and shaping the profile of Liechtenstein criminal law within the international academic discourse.
In light of the previously limited scope of academic analysis, the project is of particular importance: by explicitly taking Liechtenstein-specific features into account, it strengthens the national criminal law identity, enhances legal certainty in legal practice and jurisprudence, and establishes a well-founded basis for future research and legislative development.
Moreover, the project makes a lasting contribution to increasing the visibility and shaping the profile of Liechtenstein criminal law within the international academic discourse.
