This book presents a comprehensive analysis of personal participation in criminal proceedings
and in absentia trials. Going beyond the accused-centred perspective of default proceedings it
not only examines the consequences of absence in various types of criminal proceedings but
also the fair trial safeguards allowing personal contributions during trials as well as in
pre-trial inquiries higher instances and transborder procedures. By pursuing an
interdisciplinary approach and employing comparative-law methodologies the book presents a
cross-section of twelve European criminal justice systems with regard to the requirements set
forth by constitutional international and EU law.
