Résumé:
This study aims to shed light on one of the most serious crimes that threaten
environmental security in general and human life in particular—namely,
environmental crime. This offense is marked by distinctive features that set it
apart from traditional crimes, whether in terms of its inherent nature, the
gravity of its consequences, or the means and techniques used in its
commission. These particularities have compelled many legal systems,
including the Algerian legal framework, to enact specific legislative texts to
combat this category of crime. The Algerian legislator adopted this approach
through Law No. 03-10 of 19 July 2003 on the protection of the
environment within the framework of sustainable development. This law
includes the most important substantive provisions related to environmental
crime and is aligned with the principles established by international
conventions aimed at combating such offenses. Additionally, it draws upon
the general provisions of the Algerian Penal Code, while also introducing
specialized procedural rules—particularly regarding the role of judicial police
authorities, the process of establishing criminal liability, and attributing
responsibility to either natural or legal persons. The ultimate objective is to
enforce the legally prescribed penalties, whether criminal (principal or
complementary) or administrative in nature.
