Privatización de la acción penal: un concepto ajustado al derecho penal moderno

This paper intends to review the concept of privatization of criminal action so as to shape out a modern perception of this subject, which would allow for a suitable implementation of this conception within the Colombian legal system, in order to satisfy the formal and material features of the current Criminal Law. The proposed goal will be accomplished by means of a brief historical account; by an analysis of the constitutional amendment to Ar ticle 250 of the Constitution; by an assessment of the deliberations of the Constitutional Court; and by an evaluation of the criticisms against this procedural option.