The prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment, as a binding norm in EU criminal law

The protection of human rights in criminal proceedings is still an ongoing challenge for the countries of the EU. The subject of research for the purposes of this study was the case law of the CJEU and the ECtHR, focusing on the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment of prosecuted persons in cross-border criminal proceedings. The research was conducted on the basis of decisions concerning the transfer of prosecuted persons under the European arrest warrant process between EU Member States, and extradition proceedings in their relations with third countries. The research findings indicate that ‘judicial dialogue’ between the CJEU and the ECtHR has a positive impact on strengthening the protection of human rights in cross-border criminal proceedings. The recent case law of both CJEU and ECtHR confirms that the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment is of an absolute character, constituting a binding norm in EU criminal law. As a result, all EU Member States are obliged to comply with it