First both procedures are briefly described. The "strafbefehl" procedure is applicable in the case of felonies falling within the jurisdiction of the criminal court judge or the court of jurors, judge and jury; this includes all traffic offences. The "bussgeld" procedure is the usual way of settling "ordnungswidrigkeiten" (formerly, misdemeanours), and its statutory basis is found in part two of the legislation of "ordnungswidrigkeiten". Administrative officers are responsible for the prosecution and settlement of "ordnungswidrigkeiten", although in very exceptional cases the department of public prosecutions may take over the prosecution. The differences between the Netherlands and west Germany are dealt with in greater detail. The question of the possible relevance of the west German provisions to the Netherlands will be examined. One of the advantages relates to transactions in the hands of the police.
Abstract