A study by the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law in Germany has found that German courts are in many cases too lenient in the sentencing of perpetrators of “honor killing” by failing to adhere to the ruling by the Federal Court of Justice that honor killings be treated as having “base motives,” which tends to lead to more severe sentences. In around 40 percent of cases, the honor killing aspect wasn’t even addressed. In 15 cases, the judge even deemed the “honor” motive as a cause for leniency.
Via:[http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,777997,00.html]