Technology - in the sense of technical equipment and technical procedures - surrounds us at all times in the form of production technology, construction technology, transport technology, environmental technology and medical technology. When the use of technology violates the rights of individuals (life and health or environmental rights), we speak of technology related criminal law and, in special areas, of workplace and environment related criminal law.

Two special features characterize this area of law: first, the interaction of people at different levels of an operational organization and, second, the need for rules on the safety of technology. Both interplay and lead to highly complex cases in the broad area of technology related criminal law. Therefore, defence lawyers must not only be proficient in criminal law but also have a good understanding of technical issues.