LEGAL LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENSES IN THE FIELD OF LAND RELATIONS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes legal liability for environmental offenses in the field of land relations in Ukraine. The study aims to identify the specific features of legal liability in the context of land-related violations and highlight the peculiarities of its implementation within Ukrainian legislation. The research employed general scientific methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction, deduction, and a systematic approach. The results demonstrate that legal liability for environmental offenses is a crucial tool for protecting land resources and ensuring legal order in this area. A distinctive feature of such violations is the combination of environmental and legal aspects, necessitating a comprehensive approach to regulation and the application of sanctions. The study reveals that the legal liability system encompasses three main types: civil, administrative, and criminal liability. Civil liability involves compensation for damages, though its implementation is complicated by the lack of a clear legal definition of land-related offenses. Administrative liability is the most common and applies to violations of land regulations, such as unauthorized land use or pollution, with penalties including fines and warnings. Criminal liability, governed by the Criminal Code of Ukraine, addresses the most socially dangerous offenses, such as land degradation or unlawful appropriation of natural resources. A significant aspect of this system is the combination of punitive measures with obligations to eliminate the consequences of offenses and restore the ecological condition of the land. The article highlights that fines are the most frequent form of punishment, with their amount determined based on the severity of the offense, as well as the personal characteristics and financial status of the offender. The study also addresses ongoing debates within the academic community regarding the introduction of a special type of land-law liability that would combine punitive measures with remedies to prevent future violations. The practical value of the research lies in identifying directions for improving legislation to enhance the effectiveness of legal liability in the field of land relations.