The Rights of Suspects and Accused in Criminal Proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina: To What Extent Are They in Compliance With European Union Agenda on Procedural Safeguards?

Abstract

Paper discusses the rights of suspects and accused in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) criminal proceedings in comparison to the efforts of the European Union (EU) when it comes to strengthening the foundation of the European area criminal justice. BiH is on the road toward the EU integrations and is faced with the requests to harmonize national legislation, including specific areas of criminal justice with EU standards and legislation. Research primarily comprises normative analysis of the criminal proceeding laws that are in force in BiH including other related regulations. Due attention is paid to special safeguards for juvenile suspects and accused in criminal proceedings as well. As EU acquis implies not only harmonization of national legislation but also its effective implementation, paper provides analytical insight to number of decisions of the Constitutional Court and of other high courts in BiH comprising important opinions regarding procedural safeguards for suspects and accused.