Based on Gunther Teubner's 1984 "trilemma regulation," discussion is centered on the impact of social effects upon crime which may result in social and legal indifference and social disintegration via the law and unrealistic expectations by society. These effects are discussed in conjunction with W. Naucke's 1987 internal politicalization of Penal Law and W. Stangl's 1985 value of political change in Penal Law. Social risks cause reaction in the criminal justice system when these risks result in crisis or catastrophe. Penal law then reacts to demonstrate that it is aware of the problem by entering the political debate. 14 references