The success of the four core freedoms of the EU has created fertile ground for transnational organised crime. Innovative, transnational legal weapons are therefore required by national authorities. The availability of data on criminal convictions is at the forefront of the debate. But which mechanism for availability can be used effectively while at the same time respecting an increasingly higher level of data protection at national level? In the fluid, post-'Reform Treaty' environment, the EU is moving towards the creation of a European Criminal Record which will ultimately secure availability of criminal data beyond the weaknesses of Mutual Legal Assistance mechanisms. Examining the concept of a European Criminal Record in its legal, political and data protection dimensions, this multidisciplinary study is an indispensable exploration of a major initiative in European Criminal Law which is set to monopolise the debate on EU judicial co-operation and enforcement.

Review of the hardback: 'The bulk of the book consists of essays contributed by specialists drawn from 11 member states. This part marshals an impressive array of expertise, covering matters such as what is entered on domestic criminal record systems, the use to which the contents of such systems may lawfully be put and the extent (if any) to which entries may be deleted. … the editors have assembled an impressively wide-ranging body of contributors whose essays certainly inform - and will doubtless help to shape the debate as to the creation of a European criminal record.' Criminal Law and Justice Weekly
Review of the hardback: '… offers a valuable framework of reference … very interesting book on a fascinating topic.' European Law Review

Constantin Stefanou is a senior lecturer at the Sir William Dale Centre for Legislative Studies, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London. Helen Xanthaki is a senior lecturer in Legislative Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London.