Spain's new penal code: key talking points
Spain's ruling Popular Party passed the country's new penal code in the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, without the help of the country's major socialist opposition party, the PSOE. It must now be passed in the senate, where the PP enjoys an overwhelming majority. Here are several key points of the reform which has been over a year in the making. Under the new penal code, those convicted of serious crimes such as regicide or the murders of foreign heads of state can be sentenced to a form of life imprisonment. These prisoners will initially be sentenced to 25 years, after which time the sentence will be reviewed to see if inmates are ready to return to society. Serial killers, members of organized criminal gangs, those who commit genocide and those who commit crimes against minors will also fall under this regime. Prison terms will be applicable in cases where illegal party donations total more than €500,000 ($580,000). In all other cases, a fine will be payable. For fiscal fraud, the sums involved must be higher than €120,000 before prison sentences are imposed. The new laws will give judges great powers to seize assets if they believe there is sufficient evidence these originate from illegal activity. Those charged with these crimes will also have to return money taken from the public purse before being granted parole. The age of sexual consent will be raised from 13 to either 15 or 16. This has yet to be finalized and may be altered during the bill's passage through the senate. This reform is part of a broad plan approved by the Spanish government to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Crimes which cause domestic animals undue harm will be punishable with prison sentences of three months to one year under the new penal code, as will sexual exploitation. However, there will be no punishment for those who organize events such as cockfighting and dog fights. Among the new crimes listed in Spain's revised penal code are organizing a forced marriage, sexual harassment, and the unauthorized distribution of images of a person obtained without their consent. Spain will also adopt European laws on child pornography, the sexual exploitation of minors and human trafficking. The Local/AFP (news@thelocal.es) Published: 21 Jan 2015
1.
Answer the following questions in your own words. (4 points)
What will happen to a person who attempts to kill members of the Royal family or Heads of government? They will be sent to prison for 25 years, and after that their case will be revised to guarantee they can go back to society and restart their lives.
What does a convicted for fiscal fraud have to do to be set free? They will have to give back all the money they stole.
What is the main change in the law regarding sexual relationships? The main change is that the age at which one person is legally competent to have consensual sexual relationships will be 15 or 16 instead of the former 13.
Explain three of the new crimes included in the new regulation. The new crimes that are included are forcing someone to get married without their consent, sexual attacks and the illegal use of images obtained without the knowledge and approval of the person appearing in them.
2.
Are these statements TRUE or FALSE? Give evidence in each case. (4 points)
The new penal code needs to be agreed upon by several political parties in order to be applied. False. “Spain's ruling Popular Party passed the country's new penal code in the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, without the help of the country's major socialist opposition party, the PSOE” (lines 1,2) “It must now be passed in the senate… overwhelming majority” (lines 2,3)
3.
Illegal funding of political parties will always be punished with prison. False. “Prison terms… a fine will be payable” (lines 8,9)
This regulation is final and cannot be changed. False. “This has yet… through the senate” (lines 13,14)
Some rules which are in application in the European Union will now be applicable in Spain as well. True. “Spain will also adopt… human trafficking” (lines 20,21)
Provide SYNONYMS for the following words or expressions. (2 points)
governing (paragraph 1) possessions ( paragraph 3) increased (paragraph 4) unjustified (paragraph 5)
ruling assets raised undue