Karl Peters (jurist)

Karl Peters (1903 – 1990) was a German jurist known for his contributions to criminal procedure. He was a prominent legal scholar and professor at the University of Tübingen.

Peters’s work focused on the principles of due process and the fairness of criminal trials. He advocated for a more equitable balance between the state's interest in prosecuting crime and the rights of the accused. His scholarship explored topics such as the presumption of innocence, the right to counsel, and the admissibility of evidence. He also researched and wrote on victimology, emphasizing the role of the victim in the criminal justice system and advocating for victim support.

His book "Strafprozessrecht" (Criminal Procedure Law) became a standard work in German legal education and continues to be cited. Peters's impact extends beyond academia; his ideas have influenced legal reforms and the interpretation of criminal procedure law in Germany. He is considered a key figure in the development of a more rights-based approach to criminal justice.