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QUESTIONNAIRE ON CRIMINAL LAW REFORM

There are plans in Finland for a reform of certain parts of the criminal law, as follows:
1.	A change of the statute of limitations – The point in time from which the limitation period relating to sex offences against children begins to run would be later than the time of the criminal act, being e.g. the time when the victim attains the age of majority. It is also to be considered if a similar change should apply to violent crime against children, as well. (Attached: the Finnish penal provisions relating to sex offences, assault and aggravated assault)
2.	Insertion of a provision on cross-border child abductions in the Penal Code – There would be a new penal provision applicable in situations where a parent or someone else abducts a child and conveys said child away from the custodian and the country of residence.
3.	Insertion of a provision on the use of another person’s identification – There would be a new penal provision to the effect that the use of an identity card or some other official documentation issued to another person so as to deceive a private individual. The provision would be applicable e.g. in situations where a minor attempts to purchase alcoholic beverages using someone else’s’ ID.

In order to procure data for international comparisons, we would respectfully request information on the legislation on the said issues in your country. We would appreciate especially the following information:
1.	Is there a difference in the statute of limitations as regards sex offences or violent crime against children, as compared to the statute of limitation as regards other types of crime, either in terms of starting point or duration? When does the limitation period begin to run in such cases? How long is its duration, or is there a difference based on the type of offence? Please describe also the applicable provisions and their material content to the extent you deem necessary.
2.	Does your country have specific penal legislation on child abductions? If so, what is the material content of said legislation and what kind of penalty may be enforced against perpetrators?
3.	Does your country have specific penal legislation on the use of someone else’s identification or similar documentation in order to deceive a private individual? If so, what is the material content of said legislation and what kind of penalty may be enforced against perpetrators?

We would greatly appreciate a response by Friday, 17 December 2004. Please respond in the language of your preference. Thank you.

Director General		Mr. Pekka Nurmi

Liaison and delivery address for responses:

Mr. Janne Kanerva
Senior Adviser
Ministry of Justice
Law Drafting Department
POB 25
FIN – 00023 GOVERNMENT

Tel. +358-9-1606 7723
Fax  +358-9-1606 7737
E-mail: janne.kanerva@om.fi