It is with great pleasure that we present Issue 22, No. 3 of LEGAL HORIZONS, a compilation of thought-provoking and timely legal scholarship that addresses a wide array of contemporary legal challenges. This edition features insightful contributions from distinguished scholars across various jurisdictions, offering critical analyses and comparative perspectives on pressing legal issues.

The issue begins with G. Sobko’s article “MENTAL COERCION AS A CIRCUMSTANCE EXCLUDING THE CRIMINALITY OF AN ACT IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME THAT INFRINGES ON LIFE” examination of mental coercion as a circumstance excluding the criminality of an act in the commission of a crime that infringes on life. This article provides an in-depth exploration of how mental coercion may serve as a legal defense and its implications within criminal law doctrine.

Building on the theme of criminal justice, F.A. Pascawati, P. Djatmika, and M. Istiqomah analyze the urgency of exclusionary rules regulation in the Indonesian criminal justice system. Their study “URGENCY OF EXCLUSIONARY RULES REGULATION IN INDONESIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM” evaluates the necessity of clear legal frameworks governing the admissibility of evidence obtained through unlawful means, a crucial issue in ensuring due process and the protection of fundamental rights.

V. Hudz in “EXPERT CONCLUSION AS A KEY SOURCE OF EVIDENCE IN CASES OF CORRUPTION OFFENSES BY OFFICIALS” delves into expert conclusions as key sources of evidence in cases of corruption offenses by officials, highlighting the essential role expert testimony plays in securing convictions and ensuring judicial integrity in corruption-related cases.

The issue also addresses juvenile justice concerns, with F.F. Yan Putri, P. Djatmika, and Y. Cholil discussing in their article “MINIMUM AGE LIMIT OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD DRUG COURIERS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD” the minimum age limit of criminal responsibility for child drug couriers based on the principle of the best interest of the child. Their research underscores the complexities of balancing legal accountability with the protection of children from criminal exploitation.

From a civil law perspective, P.R. Permatasari, R. Sulistyarini, and Y.E. Widyanti conduct in research “RATIO DECIDENDI ANALYSIS IN THE SETTLEMENT OF MARITAL PROPERTY DISPUTES: IMPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL PRACTICE IN INDONESIA” a ratio decidendi analysis in the settlement of marital property disputes, exploring how judicial reasoning shapes outcomes and implications for legal practice in Indonesia.

Shifting focus to administrative law, I. Zhukova in “PROPOSALS FOR TRANSFORMING THE STAGES OF REGISTRATION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION” proposes transformative measures for the registration stages in public administration within general secondary education, advocating for improved efficiency and legal clarity in regulatory frameworks.

Lastly, V. Shcherbyna presents in “ALIGNING UKRAINIAN LABOR LEGISLATION WITH EU STANDARDS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRANSPARENCY AND PREDICTABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS” a comparative analysis of aligning Ukrainian labor legislation with EU standards, particularly regarding transparency and predictability in employment conditions. This study offers valuable insights into Ukraine’s legal harmonization efforts within the European legal landscape.

We hope that this issue of LEGAL HORIZONS will contribute to meaningful legal discourse and inspire further aademic and practical developments. We extend our sincere gratitude to the authors, peer reviewers, and editorial board members for their invaluable contributions.

The Editorial Board

LEGAL HORIZONS