THE ROLE OF POLICE DISCRETION IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE 2023 CRIMINAL CODE: BETWEEN LEGAL CERTAINTY AND DISCRETIONARY FREEDOM
Abstract
The enforcement of Indonesia’s 2023 Criminal Code brings new challenges to balancing legal certainty and police discretionary freedom. Police discretion plays a vital role in resolving complex cases that laws cannot always predict. However, excessive discretion can risk unequal law enforcement and potential abuse of power. This study aims to examine how police discretion functions within the framework of the 2023 Criminal Code and to evaluate its impact on justice and accountability. Using a qualitative literature-based approach, this research analyzes legal documents, academic articles, and prior studies related to police authority. The findings show that while the new Code enhances procedural certainty, it still requires ethical guidance and institutional oversight to prevent misuse. The study concludes that police discretion must operate within clear legal boundaries supported by transparency and accountability mechanisms. Such balance ensures that discretionary power strengthens justice rather than undermines the rule of law.
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