THE LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR COVERT INVESTIGATIVE MEASURES: A REVIEWOF THE USE OF COVERT SEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF HUMAN RIGHTSPROTECTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46763/SCGW25112g183oAbstract
In order to detect serious crime, the police can use covert investigative measures, when traditional forensic methods do not yield sufficient evidence for prosecution. Such measures may only be conducted on the basis of statutory provisions and upon orders issued by the public prosecutor's office or the court, as they constitute a significant interference with human rights and fundamental freedoms. The present article deals with various investigative measures, such as covert action and surveillance, with a special focus on covert searches, which have been used in some countries, but are not yet part of the legal system of the Republic of Slovenia. It allows law enforcement authorities to conduct a search without the suspect's knowledge. Given that the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia defines the right to privacy and personal dignity, we will analyze the legal justification of the measure and its impact on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will mention a judgment of the European Court of Human Rights which addresses the issue of the legitimacy of these measures and their compliance with fundamental human rights, in particular with regard to the right to privacy, personal dignity and inviolability of the home. We will focus on the need to ensure control over the use of covert investigative measures in order to prevent possible mistreatment, considering both national and international legal norms and the Case- Law of the European Court of Human Rights.
Keywords: covert investigative measures, covert search, legality, human rights and fundamental freedoms
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