8. Glossary

Civil action

An action brought by the victim of a criminal offence for compensation for the damage caused by the offence.

Action publique

Action taken in the name of the company, with the aim of applying criminal law to the offender and imposing a fine and/or prison sentence.

Contravention

The least serious offence, punishable by a fine of up to 1,500 euros; contraventions are determined and defined by regulation (decree, order).

Crime

The most serious offence, punishable by imprisonment from ten years up to life imprisonment (fines of up to 75,000 euros for legal entities); the determination and definition of contraventions is a matter for the law.

Delegation of powers

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