Abstract
<jats:p>The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal nature of crime provocation, the criteria for distinguishing it from the institution of complicity, the concept of lawful provocation of a crime, and the specific features of criminal liability for both the provocateur and the individual subjected to provocation. In order to present a well-founded proposal for the criminalization of crime provocation, the article separately examines the characteristics of crime provocation and the key criteria for distinguishing it from the institution of complicity. The article also specifically addresses the elements of crime provocation as a proposed criminal offense (object, objective element, subject, subjective element), as well as the particularities concerning the moment of completion of the offense. Driven by the scholarly and practical relevance of the issue under study, the article also examines the particularities of qualifying the act of the provocateur in cases where, under the influence of provocation, the provoked individual commits not only the intended offense but also another crime, which is foreseen by the provocateur. The article also provides a detailed discussion of the criminal-legal assessment of the acts committed by the provoked individual, including the possibility and rationale for considering crime provocation as a circumstance that may mitigate the individual's criminal liability or punishment. Based on the research conducted, the article proposes the comprehensive criminalization of crime provocation, taking into account successful international practices and the experiences of other states. At the same time,recognizing the value of lawful provocation, the article proposes the adoption of a criminal-legal provision under which it would be considered a circumstance excluding criminal liability.</jats:p>