Media reporting is the starting point for numerous contributions in case law and literature. The focus is on the collision between freedom of the press and the personal rights of those affected by the reporting. However, the impact on the individual can occur even earlier: at the time of journalistic research. This activity of the journalist has so far been scarcely the subject of scientific discussion. Therefore, this study aims to show what limits are placed on the freedom of research.

To determine the effective scope of rights, their content is first defined. The subject of research freedom is outlined in the first part of the work. Then, the general limits to research freedom under constitutional law and press law are examined.

Subsequently, the restrictions on journalistic research in the criminal code are analyzed. Finally, the limitations imposed by criminal procedural law on journalistic research are presented.