ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to analyse which information exchange tools can be used and under what circumstances. It explains how they are compatible with human rights. The book analyses circumstances that led to the necessity of law enforcement authorities to look for information beyond state borders, and how European politics evolved in this respect. It scrutinises the impact of information exchange on fundamental rights and marks the difference between their limitation and violation. Information is a primary and indispensable background to any conclusions, whether of scientific research, business plans, political decisions or the performance of justice. Information is obtained from different sources, beginning with inquiries to victim and witnesses, and finishing with the inspection of crime scene, reviewing surveillance camera records, consulting databases or carrying out other operational or prosecution activities.
