Individual prevention in criminal procedure

Abstract

This article explores the possibility of using criminal procedure and its measures for individual prevention of crime. The author tries to look at criminal procedure in an abstract way, not focusing on any concrete legal system. It is argued that the criminal process is traditionally reactive and this should not change. However, some measures of criminal procedure (arrest, pretrial detention, house arrest, suspension of driving licence, suspension at work) may be used as instruments of individual prevention when they are the best or only measures available and their application will not prejudice the case against the accused. Their use must be accompanied by relevant safeguards and allowed only if necessary and proportional.