Although crime has been rising in Bulgaria in the last decade and organised crime especially is becoming a problem, then the overall risk of becoming victim of a crime remains low compared to many other European countries. However, there is a severe problem with petty crimes and theft in the major cities.

The legal system is based on models found elsewhere in Europe, especially on the civil law systems of France, Germany, Italy and Belgium. During the socialist era, Soviet influenced laws were introduced. Regional courts, District courts, Courts martial, Courts of appeal, Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative Court operate within its structure. The harmonization of the Bulgarian legal system with that of the EU is still in progress.