Criminal Offense of Endangering Public Safety

Abstract

 Introduction: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the criminal offense of endangering security, clarify its key elements, and place it within a broader comparative context. Special attention is given to the normative framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the legislation of regional countries and selected European Union states, allowing an understanding of common principles and specific differences in regulating this offense.

 Aim: The aim of this study is to present how the criminal offense of endangering security is regulated, identify challenges in its application, and highlight similarities and differences across the regional and European contexts. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for further development and improvement of legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the strengthening of institutional capacities in the fields of the judiciary and public security.

 Materials and Methods: The research methodology is based on a combination of normative, comparative, and analytical-synthetic approaches. The study relies on available sources from legal theory, legislation, and case law, including the Criminal Codes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation of BiH, and the Republic of Srpska, comparative literature from the region and the European Union, as well as relevant court decisions and international sources.

 Results: The study provides scientifically grounded answers regarding the normative and practical regulation of the criminal offense of endangering security. One of the expected outcomes is a detailed analysis of the existing legislative framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina, assessing its strengths and weaknesses. This establishes a basis for understanding how this criminal offense is treated in the domestic legal system, as well as in comparison with regional and European Union legislation.

 Conclusion: The criminal offense of endangering security represents a vital yet evolving legal concept. Its effectiveness in contemporary society depends not only on the consistent application of existing provisions but also on the ability of legislators and the judiciary to adapt it to new, sophisticated threats. The ultimate goal is not merely to punish those who create danger but to build a legal system capable of anticipating, identifying, and preventing security threats, while unwaveringly respecting fundamental human rights and legal principles.