Blog
We inform you about Criminal Law and Tax Law
"Abyss of a terrorist threat" - start of the Reichsbürger trial in Stuttgart
“Deutschland GmbH,” “Querdenker,” “Aluhüte” – since the Corona pandemic, nearly everyone recognizes these terms associated with the Reichsbürger movement. Despite the absurdity of some conspiracy theories of this group, they often seem almost too far-fetched to be taken seriously. However, following the start of the Reichsbürger trial in Stuttgart, it's clear how serious some of these individuals are about their beliefs.
Cannabis legalisation - smoking weed without consequences?
The legislator, in developing the KCanG, had the express aim of facilitating a responsible approach to cannabis use in light of rising consumption rates. This goal involved enabling controlled legalization while simultaneously strengthening information, counseling, and prevention services. But is now "everything" allowed?
Tax liability in preventive detention?
Recently, the Münster Tax Court had to address the already adjudicated issue of whether the income of a detainee in preventive custody is taxable. Additionally, the court discussed whether these earnings could be classified as dependent or other income within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (EStG).
Can influencers deduct their clothing from tax?
Whether due to unmarked product placements, surreptitious advertising, disputes over so-called influencer contracts, or media-covered conflicts with influencer colleagues, these issues arise frequently. This time, the tax office clashed with a fashion blogger who attempted to claim her expenses for clothing and accessories as business expenses (income from commercial operations) on her tax return.
Abuse of power at Göttingen University - what happens to delinquent civil servants?
The University of Göttingen has repeatedly dealt with lecturers exploiting their power over female students in recent years. One professor faced accusations of excessive alcohol consumption, unwanted physical contact, and sexist remarks in 44 cases. The Göttingen Administrative Court found misconduct and sexual harassment in several of these incidents.
IQOS & Glo - Can heated tobacco be taxed additionally? Dispute over the compatibility of the Tobacco Tax Act with EU law
After the German Bundestag passed changes to the Tobacco Tax Act in 2021, raising taxes on heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes to nearly the same level as conventional cigarettes, the European Court of Justice recently ruled that such a tax increase is compatible with EU law.
The electronic ankle tag - can it be used in cases of domestic violence?
Every day, women experience significant violence from their partners and ex-partners, which sometimes ends fatally. Statistically, there is one attempted murder per day, and every third day, a woman in Germany dies from domestic violence. To counter this, restraining orders, usually enforced through legal representation of the victims, are implemented to prevent further acts of violence.
The criminal liability of "catcalling"
The term "catcalling" (originally used in English to describe calling to a cat) refers to any verbally communicated sexual harassment without physical contact – from sexually suggestive shouts, whistling, to sexist comments in public. But to what extent is catcalling punishable, and what changes are expected in the future?
MPP defence lawyers' successful leapfrog appeal
In a case of obstruction of justice, we challenged the lower court's judgment with a detailed legal appeal known as a “leap-frog revision.” We requested an acquittal for our two clients during the trial, but the district court sentenced them to fines. The Higher Regional Court granted the appeal and overturned the ruling. The case will now start again – the goal remains an acquittal.
Just like in a film - the so-called "doppelganger murder" in Eppingen
It is a case so bizarre it could come from a bad crime novel: since mid-January, 24-year-old Schahraben K. has been on trial at the Ingolstadt District Court, accused by the prosecutor of having, together with an alleged accomplice, Sheqir K., killed a “doppelgänger” of herself to fake her own death and start a new life. Allegedly, the motive was family disputes.
Update: Cannabis decriminalisation decided
Last Friday, after numerous debates, the Bundestag passed the law for the controlled use of cannabis (Cannabis Act), enabling controlled legalization of cannabis. Starting April 1, 2024, the cultivation and possession of certain amounts of cannabis for adults will be legal and, thus, no longer punishable.
Hygiene offences in the catering trade
The Göttingen district regularly inspects restaurants and food-processing businesses, resulting in many establishments being placed on a public list for hygiene violations. Although the published information does not qualify as an official warning, appearing on this hygiene violation list can damage reputations and lead to significant financial losses.
