The proposal would increase the applicable minimum sentence from three to five years. It expressly adds dangerous means alongside weapons and dangerous tools in two criminal provisions.
Legislative process
The announcement follows a 2024 court interpretation of the term dangerous tool.
The scope of the legislative text
The document submitted to the Bundesrat, dated May 29, covers solid, liquid and gaseous means capable of causing serious harm in the particular case. Courts would assess that danger. It also explains that the conduct is already criminal: the proposed change concerns its legal classification and applicable sentencing range, rather than creating liability from scratch.
Context matters
Cabinet approval is one legislative stage. This report does not describe the proposal as an enacted law.
The date refers to the linked original publication. This summary preserves the context at that date.
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