Judicial implementation of international standards in fragmented criminal proceedings: A systematic review with a normative and procedural approach
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Abstract
The effective protection of victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings is a central challenge for contemporary justice systems, especially in contexts where procedural disengagement mechanisms fragment the continuity of guarantees and weaken institutional coherence. In response to this problem, this article aimed to propose, based on synthesized evidence, an operational comparative framework and a set of normative and procedural recommendations designed to reduce the gap between international protection standards and their effective judicial implementation. The research was conducted as a systematic review, based on a structured search strategy and rigorous selection criteria, which allowed for the integration of empirical studies, doctrinal analyses, and comparative approaches from different jurisdictions. The results showed that the main gaps are concentrated at the normative, procedural, and operational levels, manifesting as incomplete regulations, excessive formalism, limited victim participation, and deficiencies in inter-institutional coordination. This increases the risk of revictimization and reduces the effectiveness of protection measures. The main conclusion was that the mere formal adoption of international standards is insufficient without operational tools, monitoring mechanisms, and approaches focused on procedural justice. This underscores the need for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the judicial protection of victims and witnesses
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