Structural Ambiguity: Typologising Joint Investigation Teams

Abstract

This article explores the conceptual nature of joint investigation teams (JITs). Initially lauded for their flexibility and efficiency, JITs have evolved into an indispensable part of the judicial cooperation landscape, not only among EU Member States but also with third countries. However, the inherent flexibility of JITs has led to a diverse array of cooperation and coordination types, challenging conventional understandings of the instrument, and prompting the need for a nuanced examination. This article provides such an examination by mapping the fundamental characteristics of JITs across their lifecycle phases and proposing three typologies based on the entities involved, team structure, and duration. The article challenges the notion of JITs as uniform entities and sets the stage for further exploration of their operational and normative dimensions.