Criminal offences may be tried only in criminal proceedings. Criminal activity of the offender is uncovered in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure by authorities involved in criminal proceedings. Through the authorities involved in criminal proceedings the state realizes its interest on the application of criminal liability in relation to perpetrators of criminal offences.

Court                       Public prosecutor                   Police authority

Actions of other persons are also projected into criminal proceedings. These persons are e.g. the accused person, defense counsel, aggrieved person, witness or expert.