Crime provocation: ECtHR standards and their implementation in the criminal procedure of Ukraine

The issue of crime provocation is one of the key concerns in the field of criminal procedure and law enforcement practice, as it involves questions of human rights protection and the guarantee of a fair trial. The lack of clear criteria for distinguishing provocation from lawful actions by law enforcement agencies poses a risk to the admissibility of evidence obtained through covert investigative (search) actions. This study aimed to explore legal approaches to defining crime provocation, its implications for the admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings, and the influence of the European Court of Human Rights case law on the practice of Ukrainian courts and national legislation. The study also sought to identify a balance between ensuring public safety and safeguarding the right to a fair trial. To achieve this aim, methods of comparative analysis, systems approach, legal-logical analysis, and interpretation of legal norms were applied, enabling a comprehensive examination of the issue of crime provocation. The research examined approaches to countering crime provocation in various countries, including the Republics of Lithuania and Latvia, Georgia, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the United States of America. The findings of the study demonstrated that crime provocation constitutes a serious violation of the right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It also contradicts the principle of the rule of law, as it may result in unlawful judicial decisions. Relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights concerning crime provocation has been examined, alongside the practice of national courts. Characteristics of incitement to commit a crime have been analysed. The study summarised the European Court of Human Rights approaches to distinguishing lawful law enforcement activities from provocation, as well as the case law of the Supreme Court on this issue. It has been established that the case law of the European Court of Human Rights plays a decisive role in shaping standards for assessing the legality of law enforcement conduct. However, its implementation in Ukraine remains insufficient. The practical value of this study lies in the development of recommendations for improving the legal regulation of control over crime commission measures, which will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice and the protection of human rights