The HELP online course on International Cooperation in Criminal Matters explores fundamental principles of international judicial cooperation in criminal matters and a range of legal frameworks and legal instruments for cooperation- applied under a general consideration for human rights issues.

In a rapidly changing world under the challenges of globalization and new technologies; to combat transnational crimes such as organized crime, corruption and terrorism and national crimes, mechanisms and instruments of international cooperation in criminal matters are of paramount importance. Trying to provide their citizens with safety and security, it is vital for states to enhance their capacity to deal promptly and efficiently with international cooperation requests based on a range of treaties in European and International Law.

This free on-line course is primarily addressed to legal professionals (judges, prosecutors, central authorities ) working in the field of international cooperation in criminal matters  but also to lawyers, academics  and  other  persons interested in this field.

The course consists of ten substantive modules which are explored in a practical way, by using presentations, interactive screens, etc:

1. Introduction

2. Legal Framework 

3. Extradition

4. Mutual Legal Assistance

5. Transfer of Sentenced Persons

6. Supervision of Offenders, International Validity of Criminal Judgments and Transfer of Proceedings.

7. Seizure and Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime

8. International Cooperation Toolbox

9. Knowledge Check

10. Case Study

The course was developed jointly between the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Programme and the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Operation of European Conventions on Co-operation in Criminal Matters (PC-OC), with the assistance of the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN). The course is based on the HELP methodology and was co-financed by  the funds of the “Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Turkey” a Joint Project between the European Union and the Council of Europe.

The course is free and available online at http://help.elearning.ext.coe.int/course/view.php?id=2040