Criminal liability for soil pollution in Western Europe and Ukraine: A comparative study

Abstract

Based on acomparative approach, this article examines issues of criminal liability for soil pollution in several Western European countries and Ukraine. National criminal statutes, their elements, forms of culpability in particular, are examined in detail. Based on the research results, certain conclusions are drawn with an eye on improving criminal laws of both European countries and Ukraine. In particular, the approach is supported, where: (a) the amount of damage, caused by the land pollution, is formalized; (b) sanctions for intentional and careless actions are properly differentiated.