Summary
The Handbook reviews the many challenges encountered by the various components of the criminal justice system in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and detention of alleged or convicted perpetrators of terrorist crimes. It offers guidance based on international standards and generally accepted good practices.
Contents
Part 1: Introduction and Legal Context -- I. Introduction -- II. Importance of an effective rule of law-based criminal justice response to terrorism -- III. Terrorism and international law -- A. Universal legal regime against terrorism -- B. Importance of international cooperation -- C. International human rights law -- D. International refugee law -- E. International humanitarian law -- F. Terrorism and transnational organized crime --
Part 2: Key Components of an Effective Criminal Justice Response to Terrorism -- I. Introduction -- II. Role of policymakers and legislators -- A. Legislative incorporation of international obligations -- B. Criminalization -- C. Procedural law -- III. Role of law enforcement -- A. Methods of investigation -- B. Arrest and detention -- C. Interrogation and interviewing of suspects -- D. Preventing obstructions of justice -- E. Witness protection measures and programmes -- F. Gathering of financial information -- G. Community engagement -- H. International law enforcement cooperation -- I. Extraordinary measures -- IV. Role of prosecutors -- A. Independence of the prosecution -- B. Role of prosecutors in upholding the rule of law -- C. Obligation to extradite or prosecute -- D. Extradition -- E. Mutual legal assistance -- F. Increasing a system’s capacity for international cooperation -- V. Role of defence counsel -- A. Principle of equality of arms -- B. Right to legal assistance -- C. Exceptional measures -- VI. Role of the judiciary -- A. Independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary -- B. Independence and impartiality of tribunals -- C. Security of the courts -- VII. Issues and challenges concerning detention -- A. Detention prior to adjudication or during investigation -- B. Conditions of detention and custody -- C. Cruel or inhuman treatment or punishment -- D. Security and safety of prisoners -- E. Transfer of detainees and prisoners -- F. Preventive detention -- G. Complaint procedures -- VIII. Role of the criminal justice system in protecting the rights of victims of terrorist crimes -- A. Victims in international law -- B. Definition of the term “victims” -- C. Responding to the needs of victims of terrorism -- D. Improving the criminal justice system’s response to victims --
Part 3: Criminal Justice Accountability and Oversight Mechanisms -- I. Oversight of law enforcement -- II. Oversight of lawyers and prosecutors -- III. Oversight of the judiciary -- IV. Prison oversight and inspections – Conclusion.