Assessing endangerment of archaeological heritage in Latvia: legal framework and socio-economic aspects

Abstract

The aim of the article is to reflect the currently existing regulatory environment for damages caused to archaeological sites by illegal human intervention and its implementation by law enforcement sector and the courts in Latvia. The article is mostly focused on legal and socio-economic consequences of endangerment of archaeological sites. It analyses liability aspects, examines case law, determines the existing challenges and proposes basis for improvement in administrative and legal procedures. Methods applied in the research are literature review, legal framework and documentary analysis, statistical and case law analysis. The results of the research could be used inter alia for the purposes of criminal, civil and administrative proceedings, amending legal regulation and damage assessment mechanisms.