Illegal detectorism and archaeological heritage: Criminal and administrative punitive systems in Spain

Abstract

This paper details the punitive responses that Spain’s legal system has established for attacks on archaeological goods through the use of metal detectors. These responses to illegal acts are not the same across the board; sometimes they stem from the criminal justice system (in the most serious cases) and sometimes from the Public Authorities. Below, I have analysed these responses and their scope in an aim to provide a broad view of the different instruments related to the fight against archaeological looting.