For the past century States have co-operated in providing evidence for use in trials in other countries. The growth of international crimes such as drug-trafficking, money-laundering, terrorism, and insider-trading now pose a substantial threat to the economies and stability of States and Governments and international organizations have been quick to expand past civil law experience into a variety of responses - both diplomatic and institutional - to the new international crimes.
Drawing on his involvement in work in The Hague the author examines such agreements as the Commonwealth Scheme for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, a vital part of the new and expanding criminal law machinery throughout the world.