[Criteria for culpability of substance dependent patients in various types of crime].

Abstract

When judging whether a person is capable of committing a punishable offense in connection with effects of drugs we have to differentiate between an addict and an occasional consumer of drugs. In last case we can orientate ourselves only by the commonly visible signs of the drug-effect found with such persons. Contrary to this is drug-addiction an illness influencing the total mind of a person to act in a certain way. This leads to a typical behavioral pattern whereby the addict, whilst trying to procure his drug, mostly shows also limitations of his ability to act responsible in accordance with the law section 21 StGB. "Normal" punishable offences of drug-addicts are to be judged by the performance and the behaviour of the person.