The Strafgesetz über Verbrechen und schwere Polizei-Uebertretungen (“Penal Law concerning Crimes and Serious Policy Infringements”) of September 3, 1803 came into force on 1 January 1804 for all the German hereditary lands of the Austrian monarchy. Its codification marked the completion of a phase of intensive activity in criminal legislation in Austria since the middle of the 18th century. Work on the Strafgesetz began in 1793 during the reign of Leopold II, and was completed in the reign of Francis II, and the codification is accordingly also known as the Franciscana. K…