The expansion of criminal law in the field of economic crimes. Criminal protection of financial markets

Abstract

One of the main legal controversies regarding criminal policies is about the expansion of criminal law to new fields such as environmental law and the economic order. The expected enactment of a new Criminal Code makes it necessary to determine the criminal policy principles that shall be applied to the protection of economic interests. The study of comparative law is of great importance on this matter. Article 294 of the Criminal Code of Spain is used by the author as an example of an abusive use of criminal law because it punishes conducts that, according to the ultima ratio and the minimal intervention principles, should received only administrative sanctions.