Towards a European criminal law system

Abstract

EU criminal law has developed over time creating a large number of substantive norms and specialized intra-State procedures. These developments were promoted by the economic interests of Member States and those of the EU collectively. The developments are considerable and the goals achieved noteworthy. Commendable as this may be, the application of these norms is done through a process of implementation in national domestic legislation. Malta is unique in having a legal system which is hybrid. It is a continental legal system adopting a number of common law principles. This is all the more predominant in criminal law. [Excerpt from the Preface]