The Principle of "equality of Arms" in Criminal Procedure Under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Its Functions in Criminal Justice of Selected European Countries PDF Download

Author: Malgorzata Wasek-Wiaderek (Auteur)
Publisher: Leuven University Press
ISBN: 9789058670908
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
The paper deals with one of the significant aspect of fairness in criminal cases, the concept of "equality of arms". The considerations focus initially on the analysis of the scope and meaning of the notion of "equality of arms" in the case-law of the European Commission and the European Court of Human Rights under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The author reviewed the Strasbourg case-law on the concept of "equality of arms" in the context of three different but connected procedural topics: equality between the parties in the institutional framework of criminal proceedings, "equality of arms" principle in the evidentiary proceedings in general and "equality of arms" under Article 6 of the Convention in the jurisprudence concerning criminal trials involving anonymous witnesses. Subsequent chapters of the paper survey the application of this notion to different models of criminal procedure, namely to the common law system (of which England is a good example) and to the model of procedure adopted in the countries of Continental Europe (e.g. Germany and Poland). The analysis does not provide for a comprehensive treatment of all national regulations concerning the issue of equality between the parties in a criminal process. Its objective is rather to emphasise the general approach to the principle of "equality of arms" in different models of criminal justice. The final chapter of the paper focuses on the issue of the possible convergence of different models of criminal procedure adopted in Europe with the one model based on the standards and principles emerged form the jurisprudence of the organs of the Convention.

Author: Jeremy McBride
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 928718741X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 529

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Book Description
A practical tool for legal professionals who wish to strengthen their skills in applying the European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in their daily work This is the second and expanded edition of a handbook intended to assist judges, lawyers and prosecutors in taking account of the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols (“the European Convention”) – and more particularly of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights – when interpreting and applying codes of criminal procedure and comparable or related legislation. It does so by providing extracts from key rulings of the European Court and the former European Commission of Human Rights that have determined applications complaining about one or more violations of the European Convention in the course of the investigation, prosecution and trial of alleged offences, as well as in the course of appellate and various other proceedings linked to the criminal process.

Author: European Commission for Democracy through Law
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 9789287142979
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
The right to a fair trial is a fundamental element of legal systems. Guaranteed by national constitutions and the European Convention on Human Rights, it ensures the effectiveness of law against arbitrary acts of the authorities. The reports which appear in this volume were presented in Brno, at a seminar on European constitutional heritage, in which judges from constitutional courts and other equivalent bodies from approximately 20 countries participated. They show the convergence of approaches, in Europe and on other continents, and the universal nature of rights protected by a fair trial.

Author: Mascha Fedorova
Publisher: Intersentia Uitgevers N V
ISBN: 9781780681115
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 529

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Book Description
This book examines the interpretation and application of the principle of equality of arms in proceedings before several international criminal courts. The coming of age of these institutions merits an evaluation of the application of one of the fundamental principles underlying a criminal procedure. The practice of these courts presents some substantial challenges to achieving a meaningful equality of arms in the context in which these courts operate. Before studying the law and jurisprudence of the International Criminal Tribunals - for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Criminal Court, and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia - the historical roots and the meaning of the principle of equality of arms are examined from two perspectives: the human rights perspective and the criminal process perspective. Subsequently, four themes that are central to understanding the principle of equality of arms in the international criminal context are discussed. First, the focus is on the investigation stage of the criminal process and the ability of the parties to prepare for trial. Next, the study takes a closer look at the system of disclosure of materials that were collected during investigations. Third, attention is paid to the issue of the perceived inequality in resources and facilities between the parties and the institutionally unequal positioning of the defense. Last, issues concerning the presentation of the case at the trial stage - such as the time and the number of witnesses the parties are allowed to present and the issues relating to the examination of witnesses and the admissibility of evidence - are examined. The book concludes with general observations on the scope and proper understanding of the principle of fairness, the right to a fair trial, and the principle of equality of arms. (Series: School of Human Rights Research - Vol. 55)

Author: Colleen Rohan
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108161642
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 629

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Book Description
This examination of the role of the defense in international criminal proceedings highlights its contribution to the development of international criminal law and the fair administration of international criminal justice. Written by leading international practitioners and scholars, it combines the practice and theory of international criminal law in order to provide a first-hand perspective on the significant challenges involved in the administration of international criminal justice. The authors examine, among other issues, the role of the defense during the different stages of international criminal proceedings, the key aspects of defense work which seek to ensure the accused's right to a fair trial, professional ethics, the United Nations Residual Mechanism for International Tribunals, and post-conviction remedies and issues relating to those serving prison sentences.

Author: Jean-François Renucci
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 9789287157157
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
The model system created by the European Convention on Human Rights is internationally renowned. The rights it protects are among the most important, covering not only civil and political rights, but also certain social and economic rights, such as the right to respect for personal possessions. The European Court of Human Rights stands at the heart of the protection mechanism guaranteeing these rights. It is now an entirely judicial system since the adoption and entry into force of Protocol No. 11, which reorganised the whole system and extended the Court's jurisdiction. The Court's excessive caseload is a problem, though, and this has led to the further improvements contained in Protocol No. 14, designed to strengthen the operation and effectiveness of the Court.

Author: Carla M. Buckley
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 9287191913
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 408

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Book Description
An indispensable guide for university students, government officials and legal practitioners alike. The European Convention on Human Rights – Principles and law is the essential handbook for university students, government officials, lawyers and human rights advocates seeking a comprehensive and concise account of the case law generated under the European Convention on Human Rights. Written by experts on the Convention, it: • cites nearly 1 500 cases, providing links to each case in the HUDOC database; • identifies key challenges and current legal developments; • provides suggestions for further reading on contentious issues; • is a companion text to Council of Europe’s book The individual application under the European Convention on Human Rights – Procedural guide by Linos-Alexandre Sicilianos and Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou.

Author: Stephanos Stavros
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004481869
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 404

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Book Description
In recent times Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to a fair trial has been increasingly raised by applicants who allege its breach in proceedings involving criminal or quasi-criminal charges. The extensive case law emanating from Strasburg that has thus been spawned has resulted in the formulation of detailed rules dictating the content of the guarantees afforded by Article 6. Indeed, a pan-European procedural standard for accused persons is beginning to emerge. This book is the first to make an in-depth analysis of the case law, and goes on to compare the European Convention cases with decisions which have arisen from the interpretation of other international instruments. The author's careful, meticulous research reveals that Article 6 has been interpreted in such a way that the standards required for proceedings designated under national law as criminal, are different than the standards applied to disciplinary and other administrative proceedings. The book goes on to attempt to identify the judicial policy pursued by the European Court and Commission when construing Article 6, while proposing a fresh approach to the problems raised by the applications of the detailed guarantees of the provisions in proceedings of a widely varied nature. Dr Stavros has been a member of the Athens Bar since 1987. He is currently employed as a legal expert by the Directorate of European Communities Affairs of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Author: Ola Johan Settem
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319248839
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 532

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Book Description
This book focuses on the most important implications of the "fair hearing" right for conducting civil proceedings. It provides a thorough and critical analysis of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (the Strasbourg Court) regarding Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It puts forward a generally applicable framework for the analysis of the various procedural issues to which the "fair hearing" right may give rise, then applies that framework to discuss a selection of specific procedural issues. The book investigates several important questions of general scope in the context of ECHR Article 6, such as: What is the relevance of case law regarding criminal proceedings when the "fair hearing" right is applied to civil proceedings? How does the Strasbourg Court actually proceed when evaluating whether specific court proceedings have been "fair"? What are the roles of fundamental concepts such as the "margin of appreciation" and proportionality in this regard? In the subsequent discussion of specific procedural issues, the focus is on the balance that must be struck between procedural safeguards and the objectives of efficiency and economy. The book considers specific procedural issues such as: When must an oral hearing be held in order for civil proceedings to be "fair"? When will a refusal of specific evidence render civil proceedings unfair? When is a civil litigant entitled to le gal aid? As such, the book not only presents current case law; it also compares various strands of the case law regarding the "fair hearing" right, and argues that the Strasbourg Court's approach to various pertinent issues needs to become more consistent. Offering an in-depth examination of the Strasbourg Court's case law regarding ECHR Article 6, this book should be consulted by anyone interested in fundamental fair trial rights.

Author: A. Andreangeli
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 184844267X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
. . . Arianna Andreangeli s book can be strongly recommended. Academics and practitioners active in the field of competition law, EU law and human rights will certainly find much of interest in this book. Volker Soyez, European Competition Law Review This book is well structured and well written. . . The volume represents an important contribution to the existing legal literature on fundamental rights protection in the EU legal order from a competition law perspective. Giacomo Di Federico, Common Market Law Review This book discusses the procedural rights enjoyed by those being investigated under Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty and of the Merger Control Regulation, and their right to challenge the Commission s decision in the Community Courts. It further assesses how their rights to due process in competition proceedings before the European Commission comply with the notion of administrative fairness enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, in accordance with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. In this study, Arianna Andreangeli takes into account key developments such as modernisation and its impact on competition proceedings before the Commission, the debate on the principles of legal professional privilege, the protection against self incrimination, the rule of ne bis in idem and the possibility of establishing an EU competition court . It offers an examination of the right to be heard, the right to have access to the Commission-held evidence, and to legal professional privilege, and the right to silence and to seek judicial review of Commission decisions and assess them in the light of the Strasbourg court s case law. Academics active in the area of competition law, EU law and human rights, as well as practitioners active in the area of competition law will find much to interest them in this book.