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TheLaw of Austria are the collection of laws that apply at the Federal level in Austria. It is founded on theFederal Constitutional Law of 1920. It can be divided intopublic law andprivate law.
Austria in 2008 had 141 district courts (Bezirksgerichte), 20 provincial courts (Landesgerichte), and four higher provincial courts (Oberlandesgerichte). There is also a Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof),Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof), andAdministrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof).[1]
Information on Austrian law is available using theLegal Information System of the Republic of Austria orRechtsinformationssystem des Bundes.[2]
Life sentences can be given in cases ofmurder[3] and other crimes resulting in someones death,[4]genocide,crimes against humanity andwar crimes,[5] but also for major drug crimes[6] and severe acts of(re-)engagement in National Socialist activities.[7]
Parole may be granted to certain inmates in Austria after 15 years' imprisonment, if prison officials are satisfied that the inmate will notre-offend. This is subject to the discretion of a criminal court panel, and a possible appeal to the high court. Alternatively, thepresident may grant apardon following a motion of the minister of justice. If the president rejects the petition of clemency or pardon, the offender will be sentenced to imprisonment for a lifetime, and thus will spend the rest of their natural life in prison. Inmates who committed their crime when they were below the age of 21 cannot be sentenced to life imprisonment. Instead, juvenile offenders can only be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.[8]
