Sootak, Jaan

Job

Professor of Criminal Law, University of Tartu

Personal data

Born: July 16, 1948, Tallinn
E-mail: jaan.sootak@ut.ee

Education

Ph.D., Institute of Law, Moscow, 1980
Faculty of Law, University of Tartu, 1966-1971

Career

Professor of Criminal Law, University of Tartu, 1992–current
Consultant to the Criminal Chamber, Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia, 1994–current
Docent, Faculty of Law, University of Tartu, 1982–1992
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Tartu, 1974–1982
Prosecutor’s Office, 1971–1974

Main areas of research

Scientific Basis of Estonian Criminal Law and Criminal Law Reform, Criminal Policy, Legal Protection of Human Life and Human Being

Grants and projects

Estonian Science Foundation (ETF) Target Financing SF0182740s06 for Project: Estonian Legal Space in Global Legal Space, 2006-2011
Estonian Science Foundation (ETF) Target Financing SF0181782s01 for Project: The Reform and Development of the Estonian Legal System and its Relationships with the EU Legal Order. With 11 Team Members, 2001–2005
International project from Kluwer Law International: Imprisonment Today an Tomorrow (International Perspectives on Prisoner’s Rights and Prison Conditions), with R. Antsmäe and O. Israel, 1998–2001
International project, Freiburg: Max-Planck-Institut für Ausländisches und Internationales Strafrecht , Volkswagen Foundation, Germany): Strafrecht in Reaktion auf Systemunrecht. Vergleichende Einblicke in Transitionsprozesse. Estland . Criminal Law in Reaction to State Crime. Comparative Insights into Transitional Processes. Estonia. With J. Saar, 1997–2001
Estonian Science Foundation (ETF ) grant No. 3998 for project: Estonian Penal Policy: from Totalitarian to Democratic Criminal Law. With R. Antsmäe, J. Ginter, S. Laos, P. Pikamäe, P. Randma, 1999–2000
Open Estonia Foundation (OEF) grant for publication: Draft of Estonian Criminal Code. General Part. With M. Ernits, P. Pikamäe, E. Samson, 1997
Estonian Science Foundation (ETF ) grant for project: Juvenile Criminal Law. With J. Ginter and H. Saarsoo, 1997–1998
Estonian Science Foundation (ETF ) target financing No. 0539 for project: Reform of Estonian National Legal Order in Public Law: Conceptual Positions of Departure, Legislation, Standards of Interpretation, Legal Decision. With 11 team members, 1996–2000
Open Estonia Foundation (OEF) grant for project: Development of Teaching of Medical Law in the University of Tartu, 1996
Open Estonia Foundation (OEF) grant for publication: Criminal Policy, 1996
Open Estonia Foundation grant (OEF) for publication: Crimes against Person, 1995
Estonian Law Centre Foundation (ELC), World Bank grant for publication: Economic Crimes, 1995

Professional activity and membership

Member of the Estonian Association for Criminal Justice and Legal Protection of Financial Interests of the European Union, 1999–current
Founding Member of the Law Philosophy Society of Estonia, 1999–current
Member of Gesellschaft für Rechtsvergleichung (Freiburg, Germany), 1997–current
Member of the Association Internationale de Droit Penal (Pau, France), 1997–current
Founding Member of the Estonian Academic Law Society (EAÕS ), 1988–current
Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal Akadeemia 1998–current
Member of the State Council of Crime Prevention, 1992–current
Member of the Board of Human Research Ethics of the University of Tartu, 1995–1998
Member of the Estonian Council of Bioethics, 1998–current
Member of the Council of the Faculty of Law 1985–current

Participation in scientific conferences and seminars

International Conference: Drug Free Estonia II. Presentation: Drug Crimes in Applicable and Future Criminal Law. Tallinn, September 8–9, 2000
International Seminar: Strafvollzug, Jugendstrafrecht, Kriminologie . Presentation: Strafvollzug und Jugendstrafrecht. Stand und Tendenzen in Estland - rechtsvergleichende Aspekte. Greifswald (Hiddensee), Germany, June 30– July 2, 2000
International Seminar: Die neueste Entwicklung des Allgemeinen Teils des Strafrechts. Presentation: Allgemeiner Teil des estnischen Strafrechts – Stand und Reform. Helsinki, Finland, May 18–19, 2000
Meeting of the Baltic Assembly Legal Committee. Presentation: Comparative Analysis of the Penal Code (the New Criminal Code) of the Three Baltic States: Estonia. Pärnu, Estonia, April 6–7, 2000
International Seminar: Crime, Law and Civil Society. Presentation: Criminal Policy and the Society. Are Criminal Law and Criminal Policy Becoming More Social? Tallinn, October 18–19, 1999
International Seminar: Penal Legislation: Current Situation and Future Perspectives. Presentation: Legal Policy and Legal Dogmatic Bases of Estonian Criminal Law Reform. Vilnius, Lithuania, September 30–October 1,1999
International Seminar: Strafvollzug und Jugendstrafrecht. Rechtsvergleichende Aspekte. Presentation: Reform des estnischen Strafvollzugs. Greifswald (Hiddensee), Germany, July 1–4, 1999
International Colloquium: Strafrecht in Reaktion auf Systemunrecht . Presentation: Strafrecht in Reaktion auf Systemunrecht. Landesbericht Estland (with J. Saar). Freiburg, Germany, June 2–6, 1999
International Seminar: On Combating of the contrafaction. Paris, November 16–20, 1998
International Conference: Third Pillar and Protection of European Union Financial Interests. (European Commission, University of Tartu). Presentation: Corpus Juris and Estonian Criminal Law. Tallinn, Estonia, July 9–10,1998
International Seminar: Problems of Juvenile Criminal Law and Criminal Enforcement Law in International Comparison. Presentation: Probleme des Jugendstrafrechts und des Strafvollzugs im internationalen Vergleich: Estland. Hiddensee (Greifswald), Germany, June 25–28, 1998
International Seminar: Nord-Baltic-Prison-Project. Presentation: Estonian Criminal Law Reform and Penal Policy. Stockholm, Sweden, October 22–26, 1997
International Seminar: Aktuelle Fragen des Medizinrechts. Presentation: Über den Stand des Medizinrechts in Estland. Tartu, Estonia, September 23, 1997
International Seminar: Co-operation between Estonia and the EU in the Field of Justice and Home Affairs (Third Pillar Issues). Presentation: Faculty of Law of the University of Tartu and European Union Law Training Programme. Pärnu, Estonia, June 9–10, 1997
International Seminar: Medicine and Law. Presentation: On the Draft Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act. Tartu, Estonia, December 6–7, 1996
International Seminar: Rechtsvergleichende Aspekte des Verbrechensbegriffes und die Strafrechtsreform. Presentation: Verbrechensbegriff und die estnische Strafrechtsreform. Helsinki, Finland, September 24–25, 1996
Session of the Baltic Assembly Legal Committee. Presentation: Main Directions of Estonian Criminal Law Reform. Riga, Latvia, August 30, 1996
Estonian Physicians Days. Presentation: Legal and Ethical Positions of Departure of in vitro Fertilisation. Tartu, Estonia, May 24, 1996
All-Estonian Meeting: Crime as a Social Problem. Presentation: Criminal Policy and Applicable Criminal Law. Tallinn, Estonia, May 15, 1996
International Seminar: Compliance with International Standards: Reform of Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Sentence Execution Code. Presentation: Has Estonian Criminal Law Become More Human? The Present Situation and Prospects of Estonian Criminal Law and Human Rights. Riga, Latvia, March 1–2, 1996

Studies abroad

University of Greifswald, Germany, 1998, 1999, 2000
Max-Planck-Institut für Ausländisches und Internationales Strafrecht , Freiburg, Germany, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999
University of Köln, Germany , 1996, 1998
University of Stockholm, Sweden, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996
University of Münster, Germany, 1995
University of Kiel, Germany, 1994
Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany, 1988

Hobbies and community work

Member of Estonian Society of Nature Protection

Honours/Awards

Law Journal Juridica, author of the year, 1995, 2007
3rd class Order of the White Star, 2001
Journal Akadeemia, the best author, 1993

Teaching practice

History of Criminal Law (Obligatory Special Course), 1991–1998
Medical Law (Optional Course), 1995–current
Criminal Law. General Part (Main Course), 1992–current
Criminal Policy (Optional Course), 1992–current
Crimes against Property (Obligatory Special Course), 1980–1992
Criminal Executive Law (Main Course), 1974–1992
Criminal Law. Special Part (Main Course), 1974–current

Publications

Penal Code. Commented Edition. 3rd ed., compiled by P. Pikamäe, J. Sootak. Tallinn: Juura, 2009. 1144 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Liability for Causing Damage [Vastutus kahju tekitamise eest]. Yearbook of Courts. Tallinn: Juura, Õigusteabe AS, 2008, pp. 95-98. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Of the Methods for Solving Case Analyses in Penal Power [Karistusõiguse kaasusülesannete lahendamise metoodikast]. Juura, Õigusteabe AS, 2008.
J. Sootak, M. Luts-Sootak. Strafgesetz als Mittel zur Überwindung der Rechtsirritation. Rechtstheorie, 38, 2007, S. 355-366.
J. Sootak, A. Parmas. Developing the Definition of the Crime od Genocide trough National Criminal Laws. Nuotio, Kimmo (Eds.). Festschrift. In honour of Raimo Lahti. Helsinki: University of Helsinki Press, 2007, pp. 61-73.
J. Sootak, E. Kergandberg. Landesbericht Estland. Organisierte Kriminalität und kriminelle Organisationen. Gropp, W.; Sinn, A. (Eds.). Organisierte Kriminalität und kriminelle Organisationen. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, 2006, S. 173-195.
J. Sootak, E. Elkind. The concept of corporate criminal responsibility and its further developments in the Estonian case law. – Rikosoikeudellisia kirjoituksia VIII. Raimo Lahdelle 12.1.2006 omistettu. Helsinki: Suomalainen Lakimiesyhdistys 2006, pp. 421-435.
J. Sootak. Grundelemente der subjektiven Verantwortlichkeit im estnischen Strafrecht. Eser, A.; Arnold, J.; Trappe, J. (Eds.). Strafrechtsentwicklung in Osteuropa. Zwischen bewältigten und neuen Herausforderungen (224-233). Berlin: Duncker & Humblot, 2005, S. 224-233.
M. Luts, J. Sootak. Das estnische Strafgesetzbuch von 2002 ? Ende oder Beginn der Strafrechtsreform?. Zeitschrift für die gesamte Strafrechtswissenschaft, 2005, Vol. 117, Nr. 3, S. 651-676.
Penal Code. Commented Edition. 2nd ed., compiled by P. Pikamäe, J. Sootak. Tallinn: Juura, 2004. 892 p. (in Estonian).
J. Saar, J. Sootak. Landesbericht Estland und rechtspolitische Schlussfolgerungen. Eser, A.; Arnold, J. (Eds.). Strafrecht in Reaktion auf Systemunrecht: Rußland, Weißrußland, Georgien, Estland, Litauen. Freiburg in Breisgau: Edition Iuscrim, 2003, S. 168-180, 261-278.
J. Sootak, A. Nõmper. Estland und Island. Weweiser in der Kodifizierung des Genbankenrechts. In: Strafrecht, biorecht, Rechtsphilosophie. Festschrift für Hans-Ludwig Schreiber zum 70. Geburtstag am 10. Mai 2003: (Eds.)Amelung, K.; Beulke, W.; Lilie, H.; Rosenau, H.; Rüping, H.; Wolfslast, G.. Heidelberg: Müller, 2003, S. 869-879.
Penal Code. Commented Edition. Compiled by P. Pikamäe, J. Sootak. Tallinn: Juura, 2002. 772 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak, P. Pikamäe. Estonian Criminal Law: Reform as a Path to Independence. – European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice (Kluwer Law International), 2000, Vol 8/1, pp. 61–78.
J. Sootak, J. Saar. Strafrecht in Reaktion auf Systemunrecht. Vergleichende Einblicke in Transitionsprozesse. Estland (S. 105–111); Criminal Law in Reaction to State Crime. Comparative Insights into Transitional Processes. Estonia, pp. 111–117. Freiburg: Max–Planck–Institut für Strafrecht, 2000.
J. Sootak, J. Ginter, H. Saarsoo. Juvenile Delinquency. Criminal Law, Procedural and Criminological Aspect. (written under ETF Grant No. 1882). Tallinn: Juura Õigusteabe AS, 2000. 47 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Legal-political and Dogmatical Basis of Estonian Criminal Law Reform). - Vilnius University. Research Papers. Law, Vilnius, 2000, Vol 36, pp. 107–112 (in Russian).
J. Sootak. Fear of Crime, Social Control and Communitarism. Is Criminal Law Becoming More Social? – Akadeemia, 2000, No. 10, pp. 2069–2102 (in Estonian).
J. Sootak, M. Ernits, P. Pikamäe, E. Samson. Draft General Part of the Penal Code. Positions of Departure and Reasoning. Tallinn: Juura Õigusteabe AS , 1999, 166 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak, P. Pikamäe. La reforme du droit pénal estonien: la voie vers l‘indépendance. – Revue Pénitentiaire et de Droit Pénal 1999 (Paris: Edition Cujas) , No. 2, pp. 193–216.
J. Sootak. Verbrechensbegriff und Tatbestand: Erfahrungen der russisch-sowjetischen Strafrechtswissenschaft und deren Ausstrahlungen in Estland. - Ost-Europa Recht (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Osteuropakunde; Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt Stuttgart), 1998, Nr. 1, S. 57–67.
J. Sootak, M. Luts. Rechtsreform in Estland als Rezeptions- und Bildungsaufgabe. – Juristenzeitung (Mohr & Siebeck, Tübingen), 1998, H 8, S.401–403.
J. Sootak, M. Kurm. A Wish to have a Baby and the Dignity of the Child and Embryo: About the Law on Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection of the Republic of Estonia. – European Journal of Health Law (Kluwer Law International), 1998, No. 5, pp. 191–201.
J. Sootak, M. Luts. Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act. Commented Edition. – Texts on Medical Law II. Tartu, 1998 (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Economic Criminal Law. Publication for Basic and Complementary Studies of Lawyers. Tartu: Estonian Law Centre Foundation, 1998. 55 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Offences against Person. Publication for Students of Faculty of Law. 2nd Edition. Tartu: Juura Õigusteabe AS, 1998. 95 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. From Blood Feud to Criminal Therapy. Discussions on the History of Criminal Law. 2nd Revised Edition. Tallinn: Juura Õigusteabe AS, 1998. 269 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Criminal Offences Against Property. Tartu: Lawyers Training Centre, 1997. 92 p. (in Estonian).
J. Sootak. Criminal Policy. Tallinn: Juura Õigusteabe AS , 1997. 189 p. (in Estonian).

Articles in Juridica

Uniform Use of Definitions in Penal Power. The Supreme Court Decision 3-1-1-40-12, Juridica Abstract, 2012, No. 10, pp. 790-794
Attempt to Cause Life-threatening Personal Injury. Judgment of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court 3-1-1-68-12 and Related Judgment 3-1-1-57-10, Juridica Abstract, 2012, No. 8, pp. 647-651
Neutral Aid and Unlawful Nature of Aiding. Decision No. 3-1-1-4-12 of Criminal Chamber of Supreme Court, Juridica Abstract, 2012, No. 2, pp. 142-145
State of Need of Assistance Upon Rape and Satisfaction of Sexual Desire. CCSCd 3-1-1-111-10, 3-1-1-48-11 and 3-1-1-61-11, Juridica Abstract, 2011, No. 7, pp. 548-553
On the Definition of Penal Law: Kin, Dependents and Strangers, Juridica Abstract, 2011, No.1, pp. 59-67
Responsibility upon Concurrence of Offences, Juridica Abstract, 2010, No. 1, pp. 11-23
Aiding a Crime. Judgment of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court in Case 3-1-1-97-09, Juridica Abstract, 2009, No. 10, pp. 722-725
A Selection of Decisions of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court in the Interpretation and Development of Law, Juridica Abstract, 2009, No. 8, pp. 540-554
Conviction Based on an Alternative Offence. The Competing Principles of In Dubio Pro Reo and Iura Novit Curia, Juridica Abstract, 2009, No. 2, pp. 108-113
Repeated Minor Theft and Systematic Theft. Judgment of the Criminal Law Chamber of the Supreme Court in Case No. 3-1-1-36-07, Juridica Abstract, 2008, No. 7, pp. 507-509
Limitation Periods for Offences and Limitation Periods for the Execution of a Judgment as Institutions of Penal Law, Juridica Abstract, 2008, No. 5, pp. 293-298
The Role of the General Part of Penal Law in the Legal System. Judgment of the Supreme Court en banc No. 3-1-1-88-07 and of the Criminal Law Panel No. 3-1-1-32-08, Juridica Abstract, 2008, No. 5, pp. 338-341
Arranging a Bribe (Section 296 of the Penal Code) as a Crime with the Necessary Element of Complicity, Juridica Abstract, 2008, No. 4, pp. 265-267
New Column – Speculum practici, Juridica Abstract, 2008, No. 2, pp.127-128
Confiscation of a Motor Vehicle in Case of Violation of § 424 of the Penal Code, Juridica Abstract, 2007, No. 10, pp. 687-694
Is Damaging Natural Resources Harmful to Society? Estonian Penal Law in Protecting the Natural Environment, Juridica Abstract, 2007, No. 7, pp. 474-478
Crisis Resolution in the Estonian Legal System, from a Penal Law Aspect, Juridica Abstract, 2007, No. 2, pp. 82-86
What Should Be Done When the Harmfulness of a Person Is Greater Than His Guilt? The Experience of Germany As Regards Non-Penalty Sanctions, Juridica Abstract, 2006, No. 8, pp. 519-529
Obligation of Legal Persons: New Developments in Estonian Court Practice, Juridica Abstract, 2005, No. 10, pp. 671-681
Two Years of the Penal Code – New Law and New Problems? Juridica Abstract, 2005, No. 1, pp. 35-44
The physics of penal law. Act and effect: old and new concepts in penal law, Juridica Abstract, 2004, No. 3, pp. 168-175
Dear Reader, Juridica Abstract, 2004, No. 3, pp. 149
Negligence: a Developing Concept in the Dogmatics of Law, Juridica Abstract, 2003, No. 2, pp. 92-106
Commented Publications of Legislative Acts, Criminal Codes in Particular, and the Methodology of Comments, Juridica Abstract, 2002, No. 5, pp. 346-349
Guilt Capacity in the Penal Code, Juridica Abstract, 2002, No. 2, pp. 82-88
The Definition and Structure of Offence in the Penal Code, Juridica Abstract, 2001, No. 7, pp. 447-455
Bases for Imposition of Punishment in the Penal Code, Juridica Abstract, 2001, No. 7, pp. 475-487
Practice of the Supreme Court in Matters Regarding Criminal Official, Juridica Abstract, 2001, No. 2, pp. 88-99
Punishable Inaction: a Forgotten Dogmatic Element, Juridica Abstract, 2000, No. 7, pp. 427-434
Estonia’s Statehood and Estonian Law, Juridica Abstract, 2000, No. 2, pp. 71-73
New Developments in Penal Theory and Criminal Policy, Juridica Abstract, 2000, No. 1, pp. 3-1
Corpus Juris and Estonian Criminal Law, Juridica Abstract, 1999, No. 4, pp. 176-184
Bribery: New Interpretation of the Law?, Juridica Abstract, 1998, No. 8, pp. 397-403
Criminal Law for Juvenile Offenders, Juridica Abstract, 1998, No. 4, pp. 181-186
Definition of Crime and Criminal Law B ased on Rule of Law, Juridica Abstract, 1998, No. 1, pp. 23-27
Desire for Children and Human Dignity of Child and Embryo: Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 9, pp. 455-461
Criminal Law Based on the Principles of the Rule of Law: Transformation of Estonian Criminal Law, Jurisprudence and Legal Consciousness, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 9, pp. 442-444
Qualification of Forest-related Crimes, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 6, pp. 314-317
The Concept of Crime and Elements of Crime, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 5, pp. 222-225
Woman’s Right of Self-determination and the Right of Life of a Fetus. Regulation of Abortion in Criminal Law, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 2, pp. 78-84
Consideration of the Person of an Offender upon Imposition of Punishment, Juridica Abstract, 1997, No. 1, pp. 31-36
Arguments for and against Death Penalty, Juridica Abstract, 1996, No. 3, pp. 102-105
Acts Concerning the Procedure for Bringing Criminal Charges against Higher Civil Servants, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 10, pp. 426-428
The Estonian Penal Reform: Foreign Experience and Future Perspectives, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 9, pp. 402-408
Issues Related to Euthanasia, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 8, pp. 334-336
The Concept of Law of Medicine in the Legal System, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 8, pp. 332-334
The Law of Medicine and Ethics, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 8, pp. 331-332
The Draft Criminal Code and the On-going Legal Reform in Criminal Law, Juridica Abstract, 1995, No. 3, pp. 103-105

Articles in Juridica International

Die schuldhafte strafrechtliche Verantwortung der juristischen Person. Theoretische Grundlagen und estnische Gerichtspraxis, Juridica International, 2012, No. 1, pp. 154–160
Dear reader, Juridica International, 2011, No. 1, p. 1
Penalty and Other Punitive Sanctions in the Estonian and European Legal Order, Juridica International, 2005, No. 1, pp. 180-190
Fahrlässigkeit im estnischen Strafrecht – eine dogmatische Figur in der Erneuerung, Juridica International, 2003, No. 1, pp. 73-79
Verehrte Leserin, verehrter Leser!, Juridica International, 2003, No. 1, p. 1
Einheit der verfassungsmässigen Rechtsordnung: Entscheidungen und Lösungen im Strafrecht, Juridica International, 2002, No. 1, pp. 127-137
The Civil Law Institutes as Part of Criminal Law, Juridica International, 2001, No. 1, pp. 178-183
Theories of Punishment and Reform of Criminal Law (Reforms as a Change of Mentality), Juridica International, 2000, No. 1, pp. 68-78
Protection of Fundamental Rights in Estonian Criminal Law, Juridica International, 1999, No. 1, pp. 115-121
Estonian Criminal Law as a Component of International Criminal Law, Juridica International, 1998, No. 1, pp. 53-63
Juvenile Criminal Law, Juridica International, 1997, No. 1, pp. 71-73
The Concept of Crime and Estonian Criminal Law Reform, Juridica International, 1996, No. 1, pp. 55-62
Development of Estonian Criminal Law, Juridica International, 1996, No. 1, pp. 52-55

Languages

Estonian (Native)
German (Fluent)
Russian (Fluent)
English (Fair)

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