Unusual Laws in Romania
Romania is known for its rich history and unique cultural practices. However, it also has some peculiar laws that may leave you scratching your head. Let’s explore two of the unusual laws in Romania: the historical abortion decree and the unique drinking laws.
Historical Abortion Decree
One of the most notable and controversial laws in Romania’s history is the Historical Abortion Decree, signed in 1967 under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist government. The aim of this decree, known as Decree 770, was to increase the country’s population from 20 million to 30 million inhabitants (Wikipedia). To achieve this, the government implemented strict restrictions on abortion and contraception.
The impact of Decree 770 was significant. The generation born in 1967 and 1968 in Romania was the largest in the country’s history, as the decree resulted in almost double the number of births. The total fertility rate increased from 1.9 to 3.7 between 1966 and 1967 (Wikipedia). However, the decree faced criticism and controversy. In the 1970s, birth rates declined again, leading to economic pressure on families, illegal contraceptive practices, and a rise in mortality among pregnant women in the country (Wikipedia).
Decree 770 was abolished on December 26, 1989, just days after the Romanian Revolution took place. Today, Romania has more relaxed laws regarding abortion and contraception, aligning with international human rights standards.
Unique Drinking Laws
Romania has some unique drinking laws that might surprise visitors. One of the most peculiar aspects is that it is illegal to drive a car after consuming any amount of alcohol. Unlike in many other countries where there is a legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), in Romania, even the smallest amount of alcohol can lead to legal consequences. It is important to note that this law applies to both residents and tourists.
This stringent law regarding drinking and driving reflects the country’s commitment to road safety and minimizing the risks associated with alcohol consumption. It is essential for visitors to be aware of this law and to plan transportation accordingly to ensure their safety and compliance with Romanian regulations.
Exploring the unusual laws of different countries can provide a glimpse into their unique cultural and historical contexts. While these laws may seem strange or even humorous, they contribute to the overall fabric of each nation’s legal system. So, next time you visit Romania, remember to abide by the laws and enjoy the country’s rich culture and traditions responsibly.
Bizarre Legal Practices
Romania is known for having some unusual laws that might seem strange to outsiders. In this section, we will explore two of these quirky legal practices: tax laws on witchcraft and controversial capital punishment.
Tax Laws on Witchcraft
In a move that raised eyebrows both locally and internationally, Romania introduced income tax for non-traditional jobs like witchcraft and fortune telling. Practitioners of these professions are now subject to a 16% income tax, as stated in the country’s labor code. Previously, these professions were not listed in the labor code, allowing practitioners to evade paying income tax. The implementation of this law aims to collect more revenue and tackle tax evasion, particularly in a country experiencing a recession.
The introduction of income tax for witches and fortune tellers has sparked opposition and controversy. Some practitioners have expressed anger and even threatened to use spells and curses on government officials. There have been reports of witches planning to use unconventional materials such as cat excrement, dead dogs, and poisonous mandrake plants to hex government officials and bring about misfortune. The belief in magic and superstitions runs deep in Romania, as seen in President Traian Basescu and his aides wearing purple on specific days to ward off evil.
While there is opposition, not all witches are against the tax law. Mihaela Minca, for example, sees the law as a positive development. She believes that the law recognizes the magical gifts of witches and enables her to open her own practice (NBC News). The differing perspectives within the witchcraft community highlight the complexity and diversity of opinions surrounding this unique tax law.
Controversial Capital Punishment
Romania has had a tumultuous history with capital punishment. The country practiced capital punishment from the times of Vlad Țepes (Dracula) until the Revolution of 1989, when it was abolished and replaced with life imprisonment. The last individuals sentenced to death in Romania were the leaders of Communist Romania, Ceaușescu spouses, on December 25, 1989.
The abolition of capital punishment in Romania was a significant milestone in the country’s legal system. It marked a shift towards more humane treatment of prisoners and a departure from a dark chapter in Romanian history. Today, life imprisonment is the most severe punishment in Romania, reflecting the country’s commitment to human rights and the rejection of the death penalty.
While these legal practices may seem strange or controversial to outsiders, they shed light on the unique aspects of Romania’s legal system and its historical context. The country’s diverse cultural heritage and evolving societal values contribute to the existence of such unusual laws.
Quirky Regulations
Romania is known for its unique set of laws, some of which may seem strange or amusing. Let’s take a look at two quirky regulations that stand out in the country.
Ban on Mickey Mouse
Yes, you read that right! In Romania, there is actually a ban on Mickey Mouse. This peculiar law prohibits the use of images of the famous Disney character in any commercial or promotional activities without prior authorization. While the reasoning behind this ban may not be clear, it adds an interesting twist to the country’s legal landscape. So, if you plan on using Mickey Mouse for your business or advertising purposes in Romania, make sure you have the necessary permissions to avoid any legal trouble!
Fair Trial Challenges
Romania has faced significant challenges in ensuring fair trials and upholding the right to a fair judicial process. In fact, it has the worst record for unfair trials in the European Union, with more violations of the right to a fair trial and other lapses of due judicial process than any other EU member state (Balkan Insight).
Between 2011 and 2018, over 27,000 people convicted of crimes in Romania requested new trials based on legal mechanisms known as “revision” and “appeal for annulment.” Out of these requests, 242 retrials were granted and 17 people were acquitted as a result. These numbers highlight the ongoing efforts to rectify wrongful convictions and ensure justice.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has also played a significant role in addressing human rights violations in Romania. In 2017 alone, the ECHR dealt with 3,981 applications from Romania and upheld 49 complaints of violations of rights associated with proper judicial process, including violations of the basic right to a fair trial, inhuman or degrading treatment, improper investigations, and inordinately long proceedings. Just satisfaction payments awarded by the ECHR further emphasize the importance of ensuring fair trials, with Romania having paid out 53.7 million euros in compensation over the past 10 years.
While these challenges exist, Romania continues to work towards improving its legal system and protecting the rights of its citizens. Efforts are being made to address unfair convictions and ensure that justice prevails in the country.
Legal Reforms and Human Rights
In Romania, legal reforms and human rights have been important areas of focus. Let’s explore two significant aspects: revising unfair convictions and European Court of Human Rights cases.
Revising Unfair Convictions
Romania has had a troubling record when it comes to unfair trials. In fact, it has the worst record for unfair trials in the European Union, with more violations of the right to a fair trial and other lapses of due judicial process than any other EU member state. In an effort to rectify past injustices, legal mechanisms such as “revision” and “appeal for annulment” have been utilized by individuals convicted of crimes between 2011 and 2018.
During this period, over 27,000 people requested new trials based on these legal mechanisms. Out of these requests, 242 retrials were granted, and as a result, 17 people were acquitted (Balkan Insight). This demonstrates the commitment to ensuring justice and fairness in the legal system.
European Court of Human Rights Cases
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has played a significant role in addressing human rights issues in Romania. In 2017 alone, the ECHR dealt with 3,981 applications from Romania, upholding 49 complaints of violations of rights associated with proper judicial process. These violations included 11 cases of the basic right to a fair trial being compromised, 20 cases of inhuman or degrading treatment, 12 cases of improper investigations, and six cases of inordinately long proceedings.
To address these violations, Romania has paid out significant amounts in just satisfaction payments. Over the past decade, Romania has paid out 53.7 million euros in compensation, with 2.6 million euros paid in just satisfaction following ECHR decisions in 2017.
It is evident that Romania is actively working towards improving its legal system and upholding human rights. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the high caseload for judges. Judges at the High Court of Cassation and Justice in Romania handle approximately 1,000 cases per year on average, a significantly higher number compared to their counterparts in other countries like Sweden.
Through ongoing legal reforms and efforts to address human rights issues, Romania is striving to achieve a fair and just legal system that respects the rights of its citizens.
