Humanization of Criminal Law
On December 7, 2011 the Federal Law "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", aimed at humanization of criminal legislation of the Russian Federation was signed.
Intentional and negligent acts have been included in crimes of minor severity which are punishable by imprisonment not exceeding three years (previously - two years). For medium severity crimes – including negligent acts - the maximum penalty exceeds three years imprisonment (previously - two years).
The law provides for the exemption from criminal responsibility for crimes committed in the economic sphere of first-time offenders (evasion of taxes or fees by an individual, an organization, failure of a tax agent to perform his duties) if the damage caused to the budget system of Russia as a result of the crime is reimbursed in full.
The Penal Code of the Russian Federation has added a new chapter, which shows the execution of punishment in the form of forced labor.
Certain acts have been decriminalized. They include acts which do not pose a serious threat to the society, such as libel, abuse and discrimination. Administrative responsibility has been set for these acts.