Glossary

crime público

Published 8 November 2026, 22:53
crime público (public crime)

A crime for which the state opens a case on its own initiative, without a complaint from the victim: it is enough for the police or the public prosecutor's office to learn of it, whether from a neighbour, a doctor or a school. The complaint cannot be withdrawn, and reconciliation between the parties does not end the case. Domestic violence under Article 152 of the Criminal Code is exactly this kind of crime.

Where you come across it. Domestic violence, serious bodily harm, human trafficking.
This cuts both ways: anyone can report it, but the case cannot be stopped later. It is better to know this before going to the police.