International cooperation in the criminal procedure, extradition, judicial assistance and harmonization of regulations

Abstract

International cooperation in criminal proceedings is essential to effectively combat transnational crime and ensure justice in an increasingly globalized world. This cooperation primarily manifests through three mechanisms: extradition, judicial assistance, and the harmonization of regulations. Extradition is the process through which one state surrenders an individual accused or convicted of a crime to another state requesting it so that the individual can face trial or serve a sentence. This mechanism is crucial to ensure that criminals do not find refuge in other countries to evade justice. Judicial assistance in criminal matters involves collaboration between judicial authorities from different countries to investigate and prosecute crimes. It includes transmitting relevant data for criminal investigations, such as criminal records, evidence, and testimonies, as well as measures to protect witnesses and victims who may be at risk due to their collaboration in international investigations. The harmonization of regulations seeks to align criminal laws and procedures across different countries to facilitate cooperation and combat transnational crime. Treaties and conventions, such as the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, establish standards and obligations for member states. The validation of the proposed modification by legal experts underscores its relevance and feasibility. The consultation relies on academic and professional criteria, confirming that the proposed modification is an effective measure to address the issue identified in the research, suggesting its implementation as an appropriate solution in the legal field.