Principles of legality and proportionality of criminal
offences and penalties
1. No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission
which did not constitute a criminal offence under national law or international law at the
time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than that which
was applicable at the time the criminal offence was committed. If, subsequent to the
commission of a criminal offence, the law provides for a lighter penalty, that penalty shall
be applicable.
2. ThisĀ Article shall not prejudice the trial and punishment of any person for any
act or
omission which, at the time when it was committed, was criminal according to the
general principles recognised by the community of nations.
3. The severity of penalties must not be disproportionate to the criminal offence.