Kriminalisierung der Armen für die Ärmsten?

The offense of failure to provide support seems to contribute to the fight against child poverty through criminal law. This work critically examines the resulting criminalization of negligent parents obligated to provide support. Insights gained from a file evaluation at the Freiburg public prosecutor's office are incorporated into a rights-related proportionality assessment that combines both the case law of the Federal Constitutional Court and considerations from critical criminal law theory. The existing need for reform of § 170 para. 1 of the Criminal Code in the current welfare state becomes evident.