Defense lawyers meet

Narcotics Act: heated discussion among lawyers

Over 180 personalities from the legal scene took their seats in the Old University in Graz.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The Association of Austrian Criminal Defense Lawyers (VÖStV) met in Graz. Lectures and panel discussions were held under the motto of the Narcotics Act. The German reform of cannabis dominated the lively exchange - there is not always agreement.

Over 180 top-class lawyers in one room - that promises heated discussions: The 20th Criminal Defense Lawyers' Conference in Graz was all about criminal law on narcotic drugs - dominated by the current legal situation regarding cannabis in Germany.

Majority sees no role model in German reform
Keynote speaker Hubert Hinterhofer, Salzburg professor and lawyer, explained this - and caused quite a dispute. The main criticisms were the vague wording of the reform and the limited control options. The majority of legal experts agree that the reform is "not yet sufficiently well thought out" - in their view, it is not - yet - conceivable as a regulatory model and role model for Austria.

University professor Helmut Hinterhofer gave the keynote speech.

(Bild: Helmut Lunghammer)

VÖStV President Philipp Wolm opened the conference.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

From left to right: Vice President Andrea Concin, VÖStV President Philipp Wolm, Graz-based lawyer Barbara-Cecil Prasthofer-Wagner and President of the Austrian Bar Association Michael Kropiunig.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The focus of the Austrian Narcotics Act should be on prevention and therapy, was the overriding opinion on Friday. However, everyone involved in the discussion was in agreement: That there is unlikely to be a consensus any time soon. Due to the lively exchange and differing opinions, the resolutions of the VÖStV board are eagerly awaited.