The principle of legality in criminal law and the jurisprudence of the ECHR

This paper examines the principle of legality in criminal law, with particular attention to how it is interpreted and applied in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. The study delves into the theoretical and legal foundations of this principle, including an analysis of legal norms and standards set up by international legal instruments. Additionally, it highlights the role of the principle of legality as an essential tool in protecting fundamental rights, considering the necessary balance between the imperative of combating crime and ensuring strict adherence to procedural safeguards. The paper sheds light on recent developments of the principle of legality in the 21st century, illustrating its dynamics in the context of the interaction between national criminal law and European jurisprudence.