Pre-trial Detention

With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU has acquired a competence in criminal procedure law and in the field of procedural rights of persons who are accused of committing a criminal offence. Harmonizing the way in which criminal proceedings are being conducted and safeguarding the rights of the accused in a uniform manner throughout the EU has therefore become possible. This book addresses international legislative measures which are already in place, underway, or planned to be adopted in near future. Additionally, the case-law with regard to pre-trial detention of a number of international courts is analyzed. Together, they serve as the starting point leading to an answer of the main questions that this book poses: Do we already have minimum standards stemming from international law with regard to criminal proceedings involving pre-trial detention? If so, are they properly understood and applied at national level in the Member States of the EU? If not, what is the European Union doing or can do to improve the rights of persons in pre-trial detention? The analysis should be especially useful to criminal justice professionals working in the area of EU law.