fines or sanctions represent the typical consequence of an offence, or failure to comply with a specific legal rule.
In common language the term fine is often linked to traffic fines, which represent sanctions for violation of the highway code.
Generally speaking, sanctions can be classified on the basis of the type of legal rule violated, that is:
- civil penalties;
- criminal penalties.
Civil sanctions are those provided for violation of private law regulations.
Criminal sanctions are those provided for violation of criminal law provisions.
On the other hand, sanctions can still be distinguished based on their content, namely:
- pecuniary sanctions;
- custodial sanctions;
- restrictive sanctions.
Financial penalties consist of the obligation to pay a sum of money.
Custodial sanctions are those that restrict personal freedom.
Restrictive sanctions involve a limitation, think for example of the ban from public offices.
