Fundamental Rights Of Individuals Research Articles

Problems of closing criminal proceedings due to the expiration of pre-trial investigation deadlines

The article is dedicated to addressing the current issues in the theory and practice of closing criminal proceedings during the pre-trial investigation stage, particularly focusing on the basis of closing due to the expiration of pre-trial investigation deadlines. The problem of closing criminal proceedings by the investigating judge based on paragraph 10 of Part 1 of Article 284 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine is currently the subject of active discussions among legal professionals. This basis is directly related to the pre-trial investigation stage and, according to the current established practice of the Supreme Court, is classified as exclusive competence of the prosecutor, limiting the Investigating Judge's ability to exercise effective judicial control during the pre-trial investigation stage. It is noted that the absence of these powers in the Investigating Judge entails the risk of violating the reasonable time requirements for pre-trial investigation, as the pre-trial investigation deadline is not just a formality. Enshrining in procedural law the prosecutor's obligation to apply to the court with an accusatory document or close the criminal proceedings as soon as possible but not later than the procedural deadline after notifying the suspect of the accusation is a guarantee of the fundamental right of individuals to have their cases heard within a reasonable time frame. Unfortunately, in practical terms, this guarantee is not always implemented, and the lack of effective judicial control only contributes to the spread of prosecutorial inactivity. The article suggests that the most optimal solution to this problem is the alternative competence of both the prosecutor and the Investigating Judge regarding the authority to close criminal proceedings during the pre-trial investigation stage. This would help achieve a balance of interests between the parties involved in criminal proceedings and prevent abuses of power. To improve the mechanism for ensuring compliance with reasonable deadlines, the author proposes expanding and specifying the powers of the Investigating Judge when closing criminal proceedings. Specifically, it is suggested to add Part 2-1 to Article 284 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine: «Criminal proceedings at the pre-trial investigation stage are closed by the Investigating Judge based on the grounds provided for in paragraph 10 of this article if the suspect does not object to the closure on these grounds.»

Digital Security in Human Security: A Case Study of the Bjorka Hacking Incident

The issue of human security in the digital era has garnered attention in line with technological advancements. The threats to individual privacy and security have become increasingly evident, particularly following the hacking incident by Bjorka in September 2022 in Indonesia. This research applies the concept of human security within the context of digital security, highlighting the inequalities in access and vulnerabilities in online privacy. The Bjorka case reflects the complexity of human security, encompassing freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the freedom to live in dignity concerning the fundamental rights of individuals in human security. The aim of this study is to understand the privacy breaches and data hacking conducted by Bjorka and its impact on the human security of Indonesian citizens, especially from the perspective of digital security. This case study research employs interviews with key respondents from diverse backgrounds, who may have been victims of Bjorka's hacking. The study finds that digital security is not only related to technical aspects but also involves disrupted human security issues, pertaining to basic human rights, access limitations, and the gender identity of individuals involved in the digital world.

Data Protection Issues in Automated Decision-Making Systems Based on Machine Learning: Research Challenges

Data protection issues stemming from the use of machine learning algorithms that are used in automated decision-making systems are discussed in this paper. More precisely, the main challenges in this area are presented, putting emphasis on how important it is to simultaneously ensure the accuracy of the algorithms as well as privacy and personal data protection for the individuals whose data are used for training the corresponding models. In this respect, we also discuss how specific well-known data protection attacks that can be mounted in processes based on such algorithms are associated with a lack of specific legal safeguards; to this end, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is used as the basis for our evaluation. In relation to these attacks, some important privacy-enhancing techniques in this field are also surveyed. Moreover, focusing explicitly on deep learning algorithms as a type of machine learning algorithm, we further elaborate on one such privacy-enhancing technique, namely, the application of differential privacy to the training dataset. In this respect, we present, through an extensive set of experiments, the main difficulties that occur if one needs to demonstrate that such a privacy-enhancing technique is, indeed, sufficient to mitigate all the risks for the fundamental rights of individuals. More precisely, although we manage—by the proper configuration of several algorithms’ parameters—to achieve accuracy at about 90% for specific privacy thresholds, it becomes evident that even these values for accuracy and privacy may be unacceptable if a deep learning algorithm is to be used for making decisions concerning individuals. The paper concludes with a discussion of the current challenges and future steps, both from a legal as well as from a technical perspective.

Broken Laws, Broken Lives: When Organized Crime Shreds Human Rights

History is marked by its coiling snake, organized crime that continues to entwine itself around human rights choking out dignity and justice. This paper reveals the hard truth of this destructive bond, from its historical origins to its modern incarnations. Powered by poverty, poor governance and digital frontiers the criminal network uses human weaknesses as pawns in their illicit games. The fundamental rights of individuals and communities is eroded by trafficking, extortion, violence, and corruption which are their currency. Women, children and minority groups are often the victims who get trapped in forced labor, exploitation and displacement. Case studies depict a rather gloomy picture of this complex threat. The porous borders of Southeast Asia take up human trafficking, while the drugs in Latin America become a stream of violence and corruption that breaks communities and trample dignity. Not even the digital world is immune, where cybercrime and identity theft take away privacy and liberty. As the roots of this crisis are woven into a complex network of socio-economic disparities, lax legal frameworks and corrupt structures. Their effects are far-reaching, reaching deep into the society Fighting back demands a broad attack. The first steps should be strengthening the legal framework, empowering law enforcement, and addressing underlying injustices. International cooperation and creating a culture of transparency and accountability are important weapons in this war. It requires constant vigilance, relentless quest for justice and strong communities that are resilient in the face of organized crime. Only then can we escape the darkness and enter into true human rights.

The Same God Question in the context of oppression

In recent years, the ongoing debate regarding whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God has predominantly been discussed from theological and philosophical perspectives. Yet, a significant gap exists in exploring this discourse through a sociological lens, particularly in understanding how the “Same God Question” resonates within the contexts of minority groups and the oppressed. This article addresses this gap by investigating the viewpoints of those often marginalized in discussions of religious identity. Drawing upon Henning Wrogemann’s observations on the complex interplay between contextualization to those in positions of influence versus the rights of the oppressed, as well as Robert Priest’s insights on experience-near theology, this article argues that it is possible for contextualization to one group to unwittingly perpetuate oppression to another group. Furthermore, it asserts the fundamental right of oppressed individuals to distance themselves from the overarching theological frameworks imposed upon them by hegemonic forces. These insights are subsequently applied to the broader discourse surrounding the “Same God Question” in order to highlight the complex interplay between contextualization, power, and oppression.

Who is really affected by European Union terrorist sanctions? A Critical Study on ‘Proximity’ in EU Case Law

The European Union (EU) adopts restrictive measures – or sanctions – as part of its counterterrorism strategy. These measures restrict the fundamental rights of the natural or legal persons they target and can be challenged in front of the General Court or the European Court of Justice (the CJEU). Drawing from both legal scholarship and security studies, this article refines an analytical framework that enables an original analysis of the case law of the CJEU: we focus on ‘proximity’, an element so far neglected in the analysis of counter-terrorism sanctions. Proximity is the variable measuring the distance between the addressee of a measure from the actual commission of a terrorist act. Such a variable provides the analytical framework through which to test the hypotheses and findings proposed in the last decade by previous studies. Such findings are mostly confirmed by our interdisciplinary analysis, but nuanced. While it is true that sanctions lead to a process of othering and stigmatization, the Court has introduced some meaningful procedural safeguards that contribute to protecting the fundamental rights of individuals, especially in the case of family members of suspected terrorists. Not dissimilarly from what was noted about judicial protection in other sanctions regimes, however, tensions remain in how to ensure effective substantive, as opposed to merely procedural, protection to sanctions addressees. Terrorism, EU restrictive measures, Court of Justice of the European Union, fundamental rights, judicial protection

질서행정과 규제개혁

From an administrative law perspective, policing does not only refer to the police in the formal sense, but to administrative actions that are practiced for maintaining order in various areas. However, as order administration is carried out in many administrative areas, regulations will expand accordingly for the purpose of risk prevention. As a result, there will be an increase in the infringement of fundamental rights of individuals. Even if regulations have traditionally been aimed at preventing risks, the purpose of regulations today is not simply about control. It also serves to guide the direction for development of society and functions as a driving force. In order to prevent risks, it is necessary to find ways to promote social and public utility by allowing t is study suggests the following directions for regulatory reform in order administration.
 First, checking the viability of regulations based on the unnecessity of regulations should be prioritized rather than strengthening regulations to expand the purpose of regulation. Second, unclear and unpredictable regulations should be clarified with regulatory reform. Third, regulations should comply with the principle of proportionality. In regulatory reform, the principle of proportionality should be applied to determine whether a regulation should be deregulated or strengthened. Fourth, the criteria, procedures, and methods to be considered in the regulatory reform process should be fully discussed in advance. The relevant procedures and methods should be designed to prevent arbitrary and subjective judgment on individual regulations in exceptional circumstances. Fifth, judicial control should be strengthened when active administrative actions for risk prevention and control are expanded. Sixth, the social costs of regulation should be fully examined.

The problem of bankruptcy in EU countries in modern conditions

The relevance of the study is due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which fundamentally changed the global economy, provoking a global recession. Legal entities suffered significant losses, being the main subjects of economic activity and, as a result, individuals became insolvent. This was followed by the energy crisis, which caused a second recession and massive bankruptcy of businesses and individuals - consumers. In the conditions of a difficult epidemiological, economic and geopolitical situation, the EU countries were forced to create additional legal mechanisms in order to more effectively regulate the institution of bankruptcy. The purpose of the study is to analyze the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, their impact on the growth of bankruptcies in the EU countries and measures taken to improve the economy and protect the fundamental rights of individuals to return them to economic circulation. The trends and conclusions formulated by the author made it possible to emphasize the importance of applying bankruptcy proceedings. The article uses theoretical and empirical research methods.

Opinions on Awareness Activities Regarding Inclusive Community Life: Experiences of Pre-Service Teachers

The aim of this study is to examine the opinions of the Special Education teacher candidates about the awareness activities organized in terms of the rights of children with special needs, their social participation, accessibility and contributing to the social inclusion climate. 56 pre-service teachers studying in the 2nd year of the Special Education Department of the Faculty of Education were included in this study. The data of the research carried out in a phenomenological design was collected through the analysis of the forms containing the written opinions of pre-service teachers in the fall term of 2022-2023. By analyzing the data with document analysis technique, it was gathered under five main themes: "Classification of Organized Awareness Activities, Description of Activities Serving Purpose, Importance of Awareness Activities, Activities That Pre-service Teachers Want to Organize and Suggestions for Activities”. In awareness activities, it is noteworthy that the pre-service teachers, who draw attention to social, legal, and physical regulations, emphasize the importance of content that reflects a rights-based view and the fundamental rights of individuals for this purpose. It was also seen that pre-service teachers emphasized the importance of including permanent and continuous awareness activities rather than containing a certain time interval and diversifying them in terms of being aimed at different disability groups. Based on the results of the research, it can be suggested that family and peer participation in awareness activities in inclusive environments, up-to-date and continuity of activities, and information sharing about individuals with special needs can be recommended.

Wybrane problemy procesowej kontroli i utrwalania rozmów

This study addresses certain aspects of procedural surveillance and recording of wiretapped calls which are relevant to prosecutorial practice. This subject matter, regulated in Chapter 26 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, involves fundamental rights of individuals which are strictly protected under the Constitution and the highest-ranking instruments of international law. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to not only appropriately elaborate the legal regulations that permit the surveillance of citizens, but apply them in the everyday practice of law enforcement and the judiciary. The author discusses the evolution of procedural wiretapping in the Polish legal order in order to facilitate the understanding of the current regulations in this field. He also points out to specific difficulties in interpreting certain vague terms such as ‘an urgent case’, whereby a public prosecutor may order surveillance and recording of the content of telephone conversations; or a ‘particularly justified case’ which constitutes the grounds for extended surveillance and wiretapping of telephone conversations. In addition, the article takes a closer look at a possibility of procedural wiretapping under a relatively new legal institution, i.e., the European Investigation Order. With regard to this issue, mention was made of numerous controversies amongst legal scholars as to the amendment to Article 237a of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which has eliminated the so-called ‘subsequent consent of a court of law’ and placed the decision on the use of the information obtained by way of procedural wiretapping in the hands of a public prosecutor within the framework of expanding the objective or subjective boundaries of surveillance.

A Theological Critique of the National Security Act from the Perspective of Universal Human Rights

Freedom of thought and conscience are fundamental human rights and are guaranteed in a democratic society. The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states that “the state has the duty to affirm and guarantee the inviolable and fundamental human rights of individuals”(Article 10). However, in South Korean society, this common sense goes out the window the moment someone is labeled a “bbalgaengyi” (reds) or a “jongbukjueuija” (followers of North Korea). This is because the National Security Act legally supports a divided country with anti-communism at the forefront. When it was first enacted in 1948, it was seen as a temporary device to maintain authoritarianism under the divided system, but the reality was different. Even as political democratization has progressed and inter-Korean relations have improved, it has remained powerful as a device for restricting popular movements and unification movements and controlling ideas. It has not only restricted social movements but also controlled academic and artistic activities and regulated people’s inner worlds. The National Security Act has been controversial since the 1987 democratization, but it is still alive and well in 2023. For a long time, research on the National Security Act was a taboo subject that was not easily accessible because it could be considered a violation of the law. Adding to the difficulty of research was the lack of access to documentation of cases where the law was applied. With the democratization of 1987 and the development of the Northern Policy and inter-Korean relations in the early 1990s, the environment was ripe for rethinking the meaning of the National Security Act. Pioneering studies before and after 1990 and the Constitutional Court’s unconstitutionality review process, which began in 1990, led to a serious examination of its legal issues. Theological commentary on the National Security Act is scarce. Not only from the point of view of the church, which was responsible for integrating the public into the anti-communist ideology during the formation and development of the pro- American anti-communist state, but also from the point of view of Minjung theology. For theologians, too, it was not a simple matter to overcome the taboo of anti-communism. They were always conscious of the limits of that taboo, and when they crossed them, they were bound to face the swift blade of state power. In the absence of a theological response to the National Security Act, this article begins that discussion. Approaching it from a theological position is based on an awareness of universal human rights that can no longer be avoided as a theological task today. After articulating that position, this article briefly reaffirms the problems with the National Security Act and addresses the issues of the rule of law and human dignity.

Protection of the person’s reproductive rights in Ukraine and in the European countries

Reproductive rights reference to related human rights and freedoms goes to a basic right - the right to life and the continuation of the human race. They are based on the recognition of the fundamental rights of individuals and couples who independently decide the number, time intervals and possible ways of having children. Reproductive rights involve making procreative decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without interference from society, the state or any other subjects. The evolution of reproductive rights shows that at the initial stage of development it was important to identify and specify the scope and content of the basic right related to the parents' decision regarding the planned number of children and the time intervals between their births. This is a fundamental right that relates to making a decision about one's own fertility, so such rights can be defined as paternity and maternity rights.
 Reproductive rights can also be perceived as a special type of freedom associated with the possibility of self-determination and the right of a given person to control all aspects of his/her health. For this reason, it is important to ensure the implementation of reproductive rights without violence and coercion. In this context, the state needs to create the national mechanisms to effectively combat forms of sexual violence, including domestic violence, sexual exploitation of women and girls, sexual slavery and exploitation, forced prostitution and sexual harassment, trafficking in women and children. Violence should not be justified by moral, cultural or religious considerations. Reproductive decisions should be made without discrimination. The possibility of free exercise of reproductive rights is especially important for women for the growth of their role in the economic and political life of society and the state. In this regard, a woman's ability to independently make decisions regarding the disposal of her own body, the birth of children or not is evaluated as a basis for the exercise of other rights by women.

Individual Rights in International Personal Data Transfers Under the General Data Protection Regulation

Within the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), individuals have certain rights ('data subject rights') towards their own personal data. These rights include the option to access, rectify or erase one's data. The GDPR also foresees specific rules for international personal data transfers, thus situations in which personal data becomes accessible outside its territorial scope. The goal of these rules is to ensure that the level of protection for the fundamental rights of individuals is not undermined by data transfers. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarified that this level has to be maintained to an 'essentially equivalent' extent, and that this requires also the upkeeping of (some) data subject rights. This paper analyses the role of data subject rights when personal data are transferred under the GDPR. It concludes that the existence of some data subject rights is required for lawful data transfers under the GDPR.

The role of Europol and Eurojust in countering the threat of FTFs: An evolving mandate

Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) can pose a major security threat to EU Member States as after they return to the EU, they may engage in terrorism-related activities. In order to curb this threat, the EU and the Member States have adopted a multidisciplinary strategy. This article discusses the role that Europol and Eurojust play in supporting Member States in their efforts to combat FTFs effectively, including in their relations with third partners. Their role is particularly necessary in the field of the so-called ‘criminal justice response’, which is one of the core pillars of the holistic approach to address FTFs and consists of investigating and prosecuting crimes allegedly committed by FTFs abroad, including terrorism-related crimes and core international crimes. Aside from the respective role that each agency can play in the fight against FTFs, Europol and Eurojust cooperate closely with each other to scale up the chances of a successful response. Although, both agencies have considerably helped Member States tackle the FTF phenomenon, there are still some challenges which lie in their interagency cooperation when it comes to the collection and use of evidence, and in the lack of cooperation agreements with some significant in the field third partners. Finally, the recent revision of both agencies’ mandate is expected to further enhance the Europol and Eurojust’s capacity in supporting Member States’ efforts to combat FTFs; nevertheless, it raises some concerns as regards the fundamental rights of individuals concerned.

Intersex: bodies exclued in sport

This review study analyzes the relationships that emerge from the practice, over the years, of sex/gender verification policies, female eligibility regulations with hyperandrogenism and the rights of intersex people. It discusses the relationship between intersexuality and sport, a place that should promote equal opportunities and respect for individualities, but when dealing with intersex people, violates fundamental individual rights. The study follows a line of investigation that has historically approached the regulatory policies of athletic bodies, discusses some cases of emblematic excluded and investigated bodies in the history of sport, ending with an ethical analysis of the fact that bodies with intersex variations that do not fit the binary standards present in the sporting scenario are scrutinized and banned from competitions.

Analysis of the Challenge in Fake News and Misinformation Regulation Comparative in Global Media Landscape

In the age of online social platforms, increasing interactions beyond the wildest imagination, dealing with fake news has been the most challenging. Perhaps the most visible victims of fake news today are political individuals and institutions. The delicate balance between regulation and respect of individual rights and maintenance of constitutionalism in various countries today creates a unique regulatory dilemma that allows for fake news and the use of it to continue thriving. At the same time, politicians and other institutions occupy a critical role in creating legislation towards combatting fake news. Such moves could significantly undermine the ability to observe some of the fundamental rights of individuals and the overall rule of democracy [1]. Misinformation and other cases of fake news have a relatively significant impact on societies. However, resolving fake news has proved not to be easy because of numerous issues, among them, being the need to preserve fundamental rights [2]. Desktop-based research has been conducted to achieve the objectives of this research. Critical to note that most of the information vital in completing this research is electronically availed. Hence, secondary sources of information have been utilized to reach conclusions on the existence of regulations and its effectiveness toward combating fake news in the three jurisdictions.

Prawne aspekty badań genomicznych i biobankowania w regionie Azji Wschodniej

Legal aspects of genomics research and biobanking in the East Asia region The contemporary development of science and technology in the field of biomedicine has influenced the development of innovative research tools in modern diagnostics and therapies. Many Asian countries are currently interested in genetic research and biobanks, in response to increasing competitiveness on the global biotechnology market. Establishing of a modern research infrastructure in China, Japan, and South Korea is essential for future research on the etiology of genetic diseases and the development of effective methods of their treatment. Undertaking concerted legislative work is a response to numerous challenges related to the collection, processing, and sharing of biological material and related genetic information. The main problems in the field of genetic research and biobanks are the concept of informed consent, the protection of genetic data, and the commercialization of genetic material. Bio-law in China, Japan, and South Korea is the result of the search for consensus between protecting the fundamental rights of individuals and the freedom of research.

Mandatory vaccination requirements and the green Covid-19 certificate: a fundamental rights perspective in Italy

Since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in March 2020, governments worldwide have resorted to various measures to manage and contain the spread of the virus. In Italy, for example, severe restrictions on freedom of movement were enforced from the very beginning, and they lasted until the vaccination campaign picked up in Spring 2021. At that point, the executive started to lift the most severe measures progressively, and, at the same time, it began to use other legal instruments. For instance, besides progressively enforcing a compulsory vaccination requirement for some categories of people only, the executive introduced a novelty in the Italian legal system: the Green Covid-19 Certificate (or ‘Green Pass’), which not only became a condition to access venues and make use of services, but it also became a condition for the enjoyment or exercise of fundamental rights, including the rights to education and work. The aim of this paper is to assess the Italian Government’s decisions through the lenses of liberal democratic constitutionalism, reflecting upon the balance that was struck between public health and individual fundamental rights. This kind of assessment is especially important in times of emergency, as they are typically defined by fast-tracked and temporary decisions which may, nevertheless, “inadvertently” become embedded in the constitutional legal order.

ECOWAS COMMUNITY COURT OF JUSTICE: FEATURES AND CHALLENGES OF ITS HUMAN RIGHTS MANDATE

The protection and promotion of human rights have remained a top priority of the international community for several decades. The violation of the fundamental rights of States and individuals have given rise to a plethora of conflicts both at the international and national level, thus, requiring effective laws and judicial institutions to accord protection of these rights to persons living within specified national territory. The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice since 2005 acquired jurisdiction over human rights matters, giving bold judgements in condemnation of breach of human rights by member parties of the ECOWAS Community. This paper aims at examining the unique human rights features of the ECOWAS Court of justice as well as the inherent challenges facing the court. The paper finds that despite the huge progress made by the court in receiving and deciding on human rights complaints from individuals and NGOs, the decisions of the court are hardly obeyed by member States and the court has no recognized institution to monitor and implement its decisions. The paper relies on primary and secondary sources of information such as International Conventions and Treaties, Books, Journal articles, Judicial Precedents and Internet materials. The paper concludes that the leadership of ECOWAS Community and the regional court must make concerted efforts in addressing the current challenges confronting the court, including monitoring and implementing the decisions of the ECOWAS Court.

Dear reader,

Dear reader, In 2022, we are celebrating several important anniversaries related to the adoption of laws important for the building of the Estonian legal order. Against the backdrop of a major forum for the Estonian legal profession – Estonian Lawyers’ Days 100 – this year’s edition is dedicated to another important anniversary: the 70th birthday of the University of Tartu’s Professor Emeritus Paul Varul. It is difficult to overestimate Prof. Varul’s contribution to the rebuilding of the Estonian legal system after regaining of independence. In this connection, I would like to draw special attention to his belief in young lawyers. Thanks to his support, many of the students from those days now hold positions that play an essential role in the legal profession. It is precisely this belief in young people alongside respect for more seasoned peers that Prof. Varul’s colleagues and students alike have inherited from him. In addition, there are many important qualities to be learnt from his example, such as the importance of infinite kindness and patience, the fundaments of academic ability, and the value of charm and personality. While he was the main architect of Estonia’s civil-law system in general, Prof. Varul’s favourite area of attention over the years has always been bankruptcy law, which he has been intimately involved in reforming. His willingness to speak up and actively contribute to the legislative process is testimony to the jubilarian’s thoughtfulness and continuing high level of professionalism. In this edition of the journal, readers will find an article by Chirstoph G. Paulus, a long-time colleague of Prof. Varul, which is dedicated to bankruptcy law. It provides a historical overview of the relationship between debtors and creditors and analyzes the contracting process as eternal struggle for supremacy. Silvia Kaugia and Raul Narits devote their article to finding an answer to the question of how to create a law that corresponds to the idea of law. In this issue, the reader can also find a paper written by Katre Luhamaa and Merike Ristikivi about the role of the judiciary in the transitional debates, judicial reform, and changes in the professional requirements set for judges in Estonia. Modern problems of the independence of the judiciary are reflected upon specifically in an article contributed by Jesús Manuel Villegas Fernández and Victoria Rodríguez-Blanco, and Anneli Albi’s article examines another angle of the ongoing evolution: the changing role of courts in Europe – which is shifting from protecting the fundamental rights of individuals toward protection of the neoliberal economic order. Alongside these pieces are three articles dedicated to matters of criminal law. Mari‑Liis Tohvelmann and Kristjan Kask have focused their contribution on interviews with children as evidence in criminal proceedings; Carri Ginter and Anneli Soo offer the reader a meaningful analysis of the arguments for and against the criminalisation of hate speech; and, finally, Mario Truu discusses the principle of foreseeability of liability and punishment in the practice of the ECHR. The volume meshes well with Prof. Varul’s ethos in one other respect too: doctoral students have had a say in the publication, representing younger voices. One can find a discussion centred on the need to use artificial intelligence in the context of deciding on the patent­ability of an invention, provided by Liva Rudzite, and the concept of the duty of diligence in procurement law from the standpoint of CJEU practice is tackled by Kadri Härginen. Finally, the fine tradition of publishing opinions by official opponents in public defence of doctoral dissertations has been maintained, with the opinion written by Marta Otto on the dissertation of Seili Suder. Congratulations to Professor Emeritus Paul Varul and to all who have had the opportunity to know him. We are all richer for your work.