PRESCRIPTION IN CRIMINAL MATTERS

Abstract

Criminal prescription is a legal concept applied in most legal systems. This doctrine has existed since ancient times in the legislations of various states, regardless of their legal and political systems. The Algerian legal framework also recognizes this principle.

The objective of this study is to examine the provisions of criminal prescription as regulated by Algerian law across multiple legal texts, as well as to identify aspects not explicitly addressed by the legislator. The topic of criminal prescription remains relatively unexplored, particularly in Arabic legal studies and research. Since the Algerian legislator has established provisions regarding both types of prescription (public prosecution prescription and sentence prescription), it is essential to distinguish between these two concepts. This distinction raises several legal and practical issues, particularly concerning the scope of prescription, the calculation of its time limits, the causes that interrupt or suspend it, and its legal consequences.