This book analyses the current legal situation and protection of vulnerable groups in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland. In recent decades, national legislation in many European states has especially focused on vulnerable groups with the aim of securing their enhanced protection and social inclusion. This trend is also noticeable in North-Eastern Europe, where the legal frameworks are constantly being revised to address the needs of vulnerable parts of society, including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and minorities, as well as prisoners and victims of crime. But despite these positive changes, many challenges persist.In this book, the authors provide a comprehensive, comparative analysis of legal regulations and practices intended to protect vulnerable groups in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland, and in the process, share insights into the current situation and trends in this often-overlooked region. Part I introduces readers to the topic by defining the concept of vulnerable groups and elaborating on its understanding in the European and national contexts. Part II analyses the legal protection of groups characterised by inherent and/or circumstantial vulnerability, while Part III addresses specific crime-related vulnerability issues in the target region. In closing, Part IV puts the spotlight on three specific vulnerable groups in the discussed countries.

Autorentext

Dr. Agne Limante is a chief researcher at the Law Institute of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences. She has received an MA in EU law from King's College London and a PhD degree from Vilnius University, Lithuania. Her particular research interests include human rights, family law and private international family law. Overall, after defending her PhD thesis, dr. Limante has published over 30 scientific papers in national and international journals or as chapters of books.

Dr. Dovile Puraite-Andrikiene is a researcher and the Head of Legal System Research Department of the Law Institute of the Centre for Social Sciences of Lithuania. She has received a PhD degree from Vilnius University, Lithuania. Dr Puraite-Andrikiene is an expert of Lithuanian and comparative constitutional law, constitutional justice procedure, human rights. She also teaches at the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University and is a postdoctoral fellow of this faculty.