If you decide to insult or ridicule someone, you can pay a heavy price, not only in fines but also in the form of an obligation to pay damages or compensation for libel. The same applies if you decide to make fun of your neighbour or wrongly accuse someone of an offence. In what situations do you commit an offence against civil coexistence and what are the penalties? Find out in this article.
It would seem that these offences would be related to citizenship, but this is not the case. Offences against civil coexistence sanction the actions of natural or legal persons that disturb harmonious and decent coexistence in society. These offences thus include various forms of inappropriate, offensive or harmful behaviour towards other people. What specifically constitutes an offence against civil coexistence is regulated by the Act on Certain Offences.
Tip: Learn what an offence is and when it is committed.
There are several types of civil cohabitation offences. They differ in their nature but also in the severity of the penalties. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Defamation can be committed by a natural or legal person by ridiculing or otherwise grossly insulting someone. It is therefore an act by which someone damages the reputation or dignity of another person. Defamation can have serious consequences for the person concerned, including damage to his or her personal and professional life. In such cases, the victim may claim compensation for defamation not only in the context of misdemeanour proceedings but also through civil law if he or she has suffered non-pecuniary damage.
The offence is punishable by a fine of up to CZK 10 000. If it is a repeated offence, the fine can be up to CZK 15 000. Restrictive measures may also be imposed. If the offence is committed between close persons, proceedings can only be initiated with the consent of the person directly affected by the offence. In the course of the hearing of the offence, the administrative authority shall attempt to reconcile the accused and the person whose honour has been injured. If reconciliation is achieved, the administrative authority shall discontinue the proceedings by means of an order against which no appeal may be lodged.
Example: Jana and Peter used to be friends but had a falling out over personal matters. Peter is angry and decides to take public revenge on Jana. He creates photo montages that make fun of Jana and shares these pictures on social media.
Tip: See the next article to learn how to defend yourself against an honor violation.
The offence of bodily harm will be committed in the case of less serious injuries of a short-term nature (the threshold of 7 days is usually applied) which do not impede normal functioning or performance of work. In the case of more serious injuries, it may then be an offence of battery or grievous bodily harm.
The decision is mainly based on the nature and severity of the injury, with the length of temporary disability playing a major role. However, the form of the attack itself is also taken into account.
A fine of up to CZK 20,000 can be imposed for the offence or CZK 30,000 if it is a repeat offence. Restrictive measures may also be imposed. If the offence is committed between close persons, proceedings can only be initiated with the consent of the person directly affected by the offence.
Example: Mr Novák got into a verbal altercation with Mr Dvořák in a local bar. During the argument, Mr Novák punched Mr Dvořák in the face. As a result of the punch, Mr Dvořák suffered a broken nose and a small laceration on his lip. The injuries were assessed as less serious as they were injuries that would heal within 7 days and Mr Dvořák was not restricted in his daily activities or work.
You may be entitled to compensation for libel or other damages. We can help you determine whether your case is an offence or other interference with your rights and make sure you get fair compensation.
Anyone who:
A fine of up to CZK 20 000 can be imposed for the offence , or CZK 30 000 if it is a repeat offence. Restrictive measures may also be imposed. If the offence is committed between close persons, proceedings can only be initiated with the consent of the person directly affected by the offence.
Public insult can also have legal consequences, including a fine. Public insult may have legal consequences, including a fine. If you feel that you have been the victim of an insult, you can claim compensation for defamation and protection of your personal reputation. Don’t hesitate to contact us – we can help you with legal action and drafting a petition to initiate offence proceedings. Unjustified defamation can lead to damage to your reputation and honour. Gross insult or ridicule in public is then qualified as a civil offence.
Tip: How does corporate criminal liability work? Find out in our article.
This offence can be committed by a natural or legal person. Its essence consists in the fact that the offender restricts or prevents members of a national minority from exercising their rights.
National minorities have special rights regulated by the Law on the Rights of Members of National Minorities. These include, for example, the right to association, the right to use the language of the national minority in official dealings and before the courts, and the right to education in the language of the national minority.
A fine of up to CZK 20,000 can be imposed for an offence or CZK 30,000 if it is a repeated offence. Restrictive measures may also be imposed.
Example. However, the manager of the centre refused to rent the premises on the grounds that the event could cause problems, even though there had been no previous problems with the association.
You can find out more about the rights of national minorities in our territory in our article.
A natural or legal person may commit an offence by causing harm to another because of his or her membership of a national minority or ethnic origin, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, belief or religion, age, disability, political or other opinion, membership of or activity in political parties or political movements, trade unions or other associations, social origin, property, birth, health or marital status.
Harm can be seen as a negative impact on a person. It may be a pecuniary injury or damage or a non-pecuniary injury, which includes injury to personal rights or personality as such.
Tip: When and how can harm occur? Find out in the next article.
Example: a company refuses to hire a Roma job applicant, even though he meets all the qualification requirements, simply because of his ethnic origin.
People often handleadministrative proceedings without the help of a lawyer. Sometimes, however, they get into difficulties and turn to us for help. You can read everything you need in our article on the topic: How to defend yourself against a decision in administrative proceedings.
We have compiled a list of common or typical questions concerning decisions in administrative proceedings and the possibility of defending against them. We also include examples from our legal practice where our advice helped to save the situation.
Civil cohabitation offences include various forms of inappropriate, offensive or harmful behaviour that disrupts harmonious and decent coexistence in society. These offences include, for example, defamation, battery, threatening bodily harm, false accusation of wrongdoing, endorsement and abusive behaviour. Restricting or impeding the rights of national minorities and causing harm on the basis of personal characteristics such as national origin, race, gender or health are two other types of offences. They are punishable by fines of up to CZK 30 000 and restrictive measures for natural persons. If you are the victim of abusive behaviour, slander or ridicule, you can claim compensation for libel in addition to the offence. Proper legal reasoning can help you obtain just compensation and restore your dignity.
If you feel offended by an insult or ridicule, you have the right to defend yourself. You can bring a criminal libel case or seek compensation for libel in a civil case. We recommend that you document everything thoroughly – for example, take screenshots, save witness statements or other evidence.
The difference lies primarily in the seriousness of the conduct and its impact on the victim. An offence is dealt with by an administrative authority and carries a fine, whereas a criminal offence of defamation is already considered by a court and can lead to imprisonment. However, even in the case of a misdemeanour, the victim can claim compensation.
The amount of compensation for defamation depends on the specific situation – the severity of the offence, the extent of the publication and the consequences for your reputation or psychological well-being. It usually ranges from tens to hundreds of thousands of crowns, especially if the publication was made on social media, in the media or if your professional reputation was threatened.
Yes. Even if the administrative body or court does not convict the perpetrator, you can still claim civil compensation for non-pecuniary damage. The court will assess whether your personality has been violated – that is, whether your dignity, respectability or reputation has been damaged – and whether you have suffered an injury that deserves compensation.
Get compensation for harm or damage – quickly and without stress. We will assess your chances, propose a strategy and prepare a challenge. All within 48 hours of placing your order. If necessary, we will then file a lawsuit and arrange legal representation. We will stand up for you fully.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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